Original U.S. WWI Army Model 1916 Infantry Saber Fencing Set with Mask, Vest & Gauntlets

Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is an exceptionally rare 1916 practice and competition set designed for use with a wood version of the U.S. Model 1913 Cavalry Saber also known as the Patton Saber. Then Second Lieutenant George S. Patton designed the saber in 1913. This set is missing the saber, but still displays great.

This mask, vest, and gauntlet set are for the saber and the fighting techniques specific to its use. This mask measures 19" high by 9" wide. It covers the wearer's head from the crown forward, including the ears on the sides. It features a covering made of fine mesh steel wire, the spacing of which is much greater in front so as not to obstruct vision. There is soft leather-lined padding along the top and cheeks, and a quilted upper chest and throat protector extending eight inches below the chin. Leather straps with buckles are used to fasten the device to the wearer's head along with a spring-loaded pad that secures it in the back. This mask is in good original condition with heavy service wear. The upper padding shows material loss and is a bit loose, but all straps and buckles are retained despite crazing.

The quilted vest is in great condition with four leather straps and buckles. One buckle has broken off at the top of the vest but it is safety-pinned on, so just needs some restitching. Other than this one buckle being broken, the vest is in great condition.

The gloves, or gauntlets are leather and stuffed with horsehair for protection then riveted to wood forearm guards. The set retains both a left and right gauntlet. They are in very good condition and one of the two has marker marks, reading:

ROCK ISLAND
ARSENAL
1915
T.C.C.

The other gauntlet is unmarked and looks to be by a different maker. Overall a wonderfully rare set, just with one buckle broken and having two left gauntlets. Ready for display!