Germany, Imperial. A Heer Grabenpanzer, First Model, Size 1

(Deutsches Reich 1. Weltkrieg Grabenpanzer- 1. Modell). A rare and complete Imperial Heer (Army) Grabenpanzer (trench armour), constructed of multiple panels of tooled magnetic steel with much of its original paint still visible. It consists of a breast plate measuring approximately 42 cm at its greatest width, topped by curved shoulder plates which are fixed in position with three rivets, and with a stand-up protective collar. Descending from the breastplate via additional rivets are cascading lobster tail-style plates of identical construction to protect the wearer’s abdomen and groin. The reverse of the plates shows original horsehair pads and light brown canvas straps which have been reinforced with additional olive-drab canvas straps and black threaded drawstrings, with the latter two appearing to have been added post-manufacture to ensure overall structural integrity. Painted onto the centre reverse of the breastplate is a size mark of “1”. No other marks are visible, with the exception of a museum inventory code on the lower edge of the bottom plate, but period maker marks may be present and obscured by paint or oxidation. The ensemble measures approximately 78 cm in total length when fully extended. Moderate loss of finish is evident throughout the base metal, which has resulted in some surface oxidation, but this complete set of trench armour demonstrates no notable damage and remains in a near extremely fine condition.