We have always considered and collected these commercial masks and helmets as industries tribal art. Examples can be elegant in their simplicity or bazaar and complex. They are always unique, suprising and filled with personality.
Horse Gas Mask, 1950s-1960s
Horse gas masks were first used during World War I to protect horses from harmful chemical agents. Horses were the primary mode of transporting men and material to war zones and needed protection from irritating chemicals like chlorine and phosgene, used during that time. Like most horse respirators, this mask was probably used in conjunction with a gas proof cape and leggings. The full head example is most likely post WWII and used for protecting horses against biological and chemical warfare. I'm not sure of this masks original origin. It's full size and comes mounted on a modern horse head tack mannequin... $1250
