A face shield known as an elephant plate has led an auction of German militaria from the first world war.

The lot realised £7,000 ($9,950) when it crossed the block at C&T Auctioneers yesterday.

The mask features two tiny eye slits, while the cutaway section is designed for a rifle

This is the rarest variety of armour made by the Germans during the war, with few pieces having survived.

It was typically worn by snipers or machine gunners, providing protection from incoming fire and hiding the gunner from view.

While it was effective at what it was designed for, it was unpopular as it restricted the field of view.

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