United Kingdom. A Mark Ii Anti-Gas Eyeshields, C.1941

One-piece transparent plastic eyeshield visor, mounted on a browning-green fabric band that is secured along the top edge via three staples, with the assistance of a strip of white cotton, black elastic straps affixed to either end of the fabric band via metal pop studs, the strap on the left end with a metal hook, the strap on the right end with a metal ring, and when the hook and ring are joined together, they secure the eyeshields to the wearer's head. The metal pop studs on the fabric band are designed to press down onto two further pop studs located on either end of the plastic eyeshield visor, enabling the plastic of the visor to bend to the shape of the wearer's face. The fabric band has experienced some aging and heat shrinkage, the plastic of the visor slightly undulated but still relatively supple. The visor in its thick brown cardboard sleeve, open at one end to form an envelope for storage, inscriptions in black ink on both sides, the front panel marked "AIR SPRAY" with a set of six "Immediate Actions" instructions inscribed below, the back panel marked "EYESHIELDS, ANTI-GAS, MK. II. / Packed by / EJB - 1941". Fine.

Footnote: During the Second World War, anti-gas goggles (eyeshields) were issued to all military personnel, as a preventative measure anticipating chemical warfare, to protect the eyes from liquid irritant sprayed from enemy aircraft. They were also commonly used by vehicle drivers when operating in dusty environments.