Imperial German, WW1 \'Sniper\'s Loop\' Trench Plate Armour / Manlet. Sn - 20431 Imperial German, WW1 \'Sniper\'s Loop\' Trench Plate Armour / Manlet. Sn - 20431 Armour

WW1 Trench plates or Manlets also known as "Sniper loops" could be carried short distances, by an assault party to help create a trench block. They were often set into the sides of trenches or used to create semi- permanent sniper's posts. This is the model 1916 manlet most easily identified by the sliding shutter mechanism. Constructed of "Ruhr Valley" silicon-nickel steel about 5 mm thick it weighs around 28 lbs, Offset to one side for a right handed shooter. The shields are said to be able to withstand machine-gun fire at ranges over 100 yards but were ineffective against armour piercing rounds. The snipers shield has the correct turned edges and measures 26” by 12”. The shield has two thin hinged folding side shields on each side that are cut to enable the shield to stand up with an angle of approximately 10 degrees to stop it falling forward. These side shields fold flat when the shield is folded and open out when use. The side shields measure 11 inches high with a length of 8 inches at the top and 12 inches at the bottom. There held on by two forged brackets on each side of the manlet which are held on by nuts screwed onto riveted bolts. Between the hinges are integral steel handles with wooden grips to enable the shield to be moved in position when the side shields are folded. The two handles are hidden from use when the side shields are folded in. the firing slot measures 5 inches high by 2 inches wide. The price for this rare sniper armour includes UK delivery. Sn 20431