WWI German or Austro-Hungarian Military-Issue Protective Goggles – Early Trapezoidal Style

This rare pair of World War I-era protective goggles exemplifies the utilitarian design favored by both German and Austro-Hungarian forces. Featuring distinctive trapezoidal glass lenses housed in thin metal frames, these goggles reflect a transitional design phase before the more rounded and padded variants seen later in the war. The bridge originally consisted of a simple leather strap, now broken, which once connected the two eyepieces. The adjustable black cloth head strap with a stamped metal buckle remains intact, showing wear consistent with age and use.

The lenses are impressively clear given their age, with only minor spotting and no cracks. The interior padding is minimal, indicative of early war field-issue equipment rather than aviator-specific gear. This style was common among motorcyclists, drivers, artillery observers, and even trench raiders requiring eye protection from debris and wind.

Condition:
Good, field-used condition. Leather bridge is broken, cloth strap shows wear. Lenses intact with expected age patina. No modern restorations.

Display Suggestions:
Ideal for display alongside a WWI German or Austro-Hungarian tunic, Pickelhaube, or trench diorama. Can also be mounted in a shadow box next to a related Iron Cross or field equipment grouping.

Attribution Note:
The goggles are identified as German or Austro-Hungarian based on their shape, materials, and construction—all consistent with known wartime examples used by both forces. While lacking definitive national markings (common for such gear), the trapezoidal lens design and utilitarian build were widely distributed across both militaries during 1914–1918, reflecting a shared wartime supply standard between the Central Powers.