Fencing mask
By: Giorgi Kokochashvili
Shalva Kokochashvili
September 3, 2019. Tbilisi, Georgia
Giorgi and Shalva Kokochashvili, from Tbilisi, Georgia, Civil
engineers, inventor, fencers (epee) from 1972 year. Authors of 16
inventions (sanitary engineering: new design of the bath tubs which can
be used for the handicap peoples, medicine: eyelid plastic surgery,
surgery, burn, water therapy new design of the bath tubs; sport: fencing
and other kind of sport), which are protected by Georgian and USSR
Patents and two published books. On April, 2016 was published the
limited edition “Innovations and Inventions in Fencing" (English
and Georgian versions).
© 2016 Giorgi Kokochashvili, Shalva Kokochashvili
ISBN 978-9941-0-9380-7
The work (about 400 pages, A4 format) is a compilation of various pieces of information and contains a
wealth of graphical material (some of which is being published for the first time), about fencing history,
fencing weapons, fencing for disabled people, Georgian and other historical fencing; a description and
explanation of existing fencing equipment and its evolution and innovations up to the present; fencing
training devices; various worldwide inventions, including devices by the us-Kokochashvili brothers
(specifically, new fencing handle designs and several training devices that can be used not only by fencers
but in other kind of sport and by disabled or blind people; fencing equipment suppliers and other interesting
and unusual information about famous people engaged in fencing, and much more besides.
In the British magazine "The Sword" (2016, January; April, 2017) was published information/review about
our book. Besides of this, we also have received various short references about our work from fencing
experts: Giancarlo Toran (Italy), Richard Cohen (UK) and Malcolm Fare (UK), Ed Rogers (UK), Marco
Lanzoni (Italy), Roberto Gotti (Italy), Walter Green (USA), Gérard Six (France) and etc.
Authors are looking for sponsor, to help publishing our work, second edition, update version, with the
volume of 500 pages, as a book. For this reason, we have decided to published some chapters from our
book, which maybe will be useful for the readers.
Thanks beforehand for your kind attention and looking forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Giorgi and Shalva Kokochashvili
E-mail: gkokochashvili@yahoo.co.uk
E-mail : skokochashvili@mdf.org.ge
1
Mask
The mask protects the head and face. It has a padded bib, which covers the neck.
For the analogue design of the fencing mask can be taken the designs for the medieval helmets. Medieval
helmets protected head of medieval knights and warriors. Helmets were often the strongest part of armour.
There are plenty of information about helmets history and designs, for example article by Pavel Aleseychik1
and etc. Below we tried to provide a short information about the helmets.
The enclosed helmet also termed a primitive great helm or early great helm, was a type of Western
European helmet of the late 12th and early 13th century. It was the forerunner of the great helm.2 (Fig. 82 a)
Man in armour wearing a very well depicted enclosed helmet. 13th-century fresco showing a scene from
"Iwein" by Hartmann von Aue in Rodenegg Castle, South Tyrol, Italy.
Fig. 82 a
The great helm was a flat-topped cylinder of steel that completely covered the head and had only very small
openings for the eyes and mouth. Later designs gained more of a curved design, particularly on the top, to
deflect or lessen the impact of blows.
The great helm ultimately evolved from the nasal helmet, which had been produced in a flat-topped variant
with a square profile by about 1180.3 (Fig. 82 b)
13th century German great helm with a flat top to the skull.
Fig. 82 b
2
The nasal helmet was a type of combat helmet characterized by the possession of a projecting bar covering
the nose and thus protecting the center of the face: it was of Western European origins and was used from
the Early Middle Ages until the High Middle Ages4 (Fig. 82 c)
12th century Moravian nasal helmet, Vienna. One
of the few remaining examples of such helmets
Nasal helmet with a rounded skull, latter part of
the 12th century
Nasal helmet of the “Phrygian cap” shape, 12th
century
Fig.82 c
5
Some examples of medieval helmets (Fig.82 d):
Great helm-in the late twelfth century in the context of the crusades
and remained in use until the fourteenth century.
Chain mail hood - Made of interlocking steel or iron rings riveted
closed, mail is flexible and tough. It was used nonstop from the
height of the Roman Empire until the end of the Renaissance,
reaching its peak in use during the High Middle Ages. Chainmail
was worn by Vikings, Normans and pan European knights and
warriors during middle ages. Offers good protection against cuts.
Disadvantage was its weight, loud and inability to protect against
thrusts and crushes century.
Barbute-A barbute is a visor less war helmet of 14th to 15th century
Italian design, often with distinctive "T" shaped or "Y" shaped
opening for the eyes and mouth.
Kettle helmet-common infantry medieval helmet used in 100 years
war, by crossbowmen, hussies and by many of their fighters century.
3
Norman helmet-classical helmet of the Norman knights and
warriors, very widely used helmet in medieval Europe century.
Spangenhelm-early medieval helmet used in northern Europe by
Germans, Saxons, Vikings and Russians century.
Sallet-The sallet (also called salade and schaller) was a war helmet
that replaced the bascinet in northern Europe and Hungary during the
mid-15th century.
Morion-late medieval and renaissance helmet associated with
Spanish conquistadors. Widely used during 30 years war. Swiss
guard in Vatican wearing the motion till today century.
Evolution helmets masked the Norman ( X- XII century)6
4
Helmet masked 15 century7
Fig. 82 d
Fencing mask had quite interesting progress in development of design.
Throughout three centuries, the special protective equipment for the person during a fencing duel was not
widely used. Sometimes the balls (size of a tennis ball) on the ends of the educational rapiers was used and
recommended by masters in order to avoid danger to injure to it a face.
On 1750 (in some sources mentioned as 1780) French fencing Master Nicolas Benjamin Texier De La
Boëssière8 (1723-1807), writer, teacher, invented the first fencing mask, which was an extremely important
development to fencing and the safety of athletes, mesh mask, somewhat similar to the one we use today,
but without the side. The ancient Egyptians were using something similar.
Before the revolution, in 1780 La Boessiére invented9 a mask in association with famous fencer and duelist
the Chevalier St. Georges, allowing a much safer bout thus introducing an extremely important
development to fencer. Mask was made from a wire netting material which immediately led to an important
change in fencing techniques. The increased safety afforded the fencer more difficult and demanding
exercises. The increased ability to practice those techniques leads to a general increase in both the speed
and variety of techniques.10
Being a fencer himself La Boesserie understood the urgent need to protect the face and eyes of duelling
opponents. He created a mask using a mesh of fine, but rigid, steel wire in the shape of a bowl which could
be fastened onto the fencer’s head using string. The mask was fitted extremely close to the face so as not
to obstruct the fencer’s vision.11
The invention wasn't widely adopted, partially from professional vanity as all teachers of fencing.As one
declared that it isn't necessary for them, and partially - in view of inferiority of the innovation. The first
masks were made of continuous metal (instead of from the steel grid entered subsequently), in them
openings for eyes so the part of the person most needing protection appeared as a result of open for a prick,
casual or intended were cut through.12
La Boessiere’s invention created a turning point in fencing as a sport. The safety that this mask offered,
allowed instructors and masters to focus on more varied techniques, on precision and even increased the
speed of swordplay! It sparked more development in non-fatal techniques emphasising strategy and
calculated plans of attack. Fencing became more of a thinking game. The mask has been improved over the
years with new and more resilient materials being used to offer optimal protection and comfort.
Even though the mask is absolutely crucial, it is not the only important part of modern protective equipment.
La Boessiere’s innovation along with recent advances in protective gear has made fencing one of the safest
sports practiced today.
There are too many information and literature, about the fencing mask, one of them is very intereting book
by Roberto Gotti and others “Masquarade” (2017)13, where there are provided pictures of the different
masks, including their history and etc. With the kind permition of Roberto Gotti, below we are providing
some pictures of the masks (Fig. 83)
5
Fig. 83
The sample of mask please see (Fig. 84):
Mask from Diderot and
D'Alembert's “Encyclopedia” (1760)
Rare example of an early fencing mask, in the
collection of the Musée de l'Armée (Paris)14
The wire fencing mask with ties - Alexandre Picard
Bremond's fencing manual, Turin15 (1782)
La Boesserie fencing mask (1780)
Fencing mask16 (K. Bulochko, 1967) (18th century) (a,b,c);
Fencing mask (19th century) (d, e, f); Modern mask for
fencing (1967); g - for foil; H- epee; K - sabre.
6
According to Roberto Gotti: Fencing mask XVIII century; France, XI Century; Italy XIX century.
US Army military
fencing mask (19th
century)17
An Antique Black leather and
wire mesh fencing mask21
French mask (late 18th
century)19
Mask18
Sabre mask
(late 1800s)22
Sabre fencing mask
(1800-1810)23
Mask (18th century)20
Sabre mask (1824)24
Fencing mask, according to Johan Adolph Ludwig
Berner, Leipsig (1824)25
Mask for the foil and sabre (Hungary)26 (1839)
Mask (1847)27
7
Sabre mask (1850)28
Sabre fencing mask for military use, Agora Museum (Italy)
(1850)29
Russian mask (1850)
Mask (1860)30
Foil and saber mask, according to Christian Siebenhaar. (1861)31
Sabre fencing mask (1868)32
French mask (1870)
Wire mask, plain, French
pattern (1884)
Wire mask, with ear protection
(1884)
Cane helmet, English
pattern, for stick practice
(1884)
Mask for epee (Italy)33 (1885)
8
Wire mask, with ear
and forehead protection (1884)
Mask for sabre (1885)
Hutton Saber mask, Hungary (1886)34
The saber mask, according to Emil Probst, Switzerland (1887)35
Fencing mask France
(1890)37
Ear and fore head
protectors fencing mask
(1891)
Fencing mask (1890)38
George Krauss (German fencer) mask (1890)36
Plain fencing mask (1891)39
Ear
protectors
fencing mask (1891)
Fencing mask, France (1893)40
Fencing mask Till Fots41(1893)
9
French pattern mask
with ears (1897)42
The Saber fencers
with masks,
according to Arlow
Litomysky (1894)43
Mask for the Russian
Cossack (1899)44
Fencing mask, France
(1900)48
Vintage WWI military broadsword/bayonet training fencing
mask45
Fencing mask of Baron Pierre
de Coubertin (1900 period)
Saber mask
10
Fencing mask
(19th century)46
Mask
(20th century)47
French mask
(early 1900)
Wire helmet, full
padded with neck
and shoulder
protection, Vienna
pattern, for sword
and rapier fencing
(1901)49
Epee mask
Foil mask
Masks according to Gnutti catalogue (1904)50
Mask for kavalleriet, according to Andra Tyackingen, Stockholm (1906)51
Peter Zakovorot and Timofei Klimov, Russian fencers (1900-1910)52
French mask (1906)54
Mask according to Lihochertov53 (1906)
11
Foil mask, with face, forehead
and ear guards of close mesh
and heavier wire then in regular
(1906)
Foil mask,55 face and ear
guard (1906)
Foil mask, face
guard only (1906)
Broad sword helmet. Protects
effectively face, ears and top of
head (1906)
Foil mask, extra strong, with
face guard of twister wire and
heavy wire forehead and ear
guard. Reinforced also with
heavy cross wire (1906)
Mask for heavy or
light sabre fencing
(1906)
Light broadsword mask, face guard of heavy twisted wire,
well reinforced and extra wire heavy wire protection for side
and top of head (1906)
Foil mask (1912)56
Epee mask (1912)
Saber mask (1912)
Face and forehed guard foil
mask (1917, 1920)57, 58
Fencing foil mask
FMAZ (1930)59
Instructors fencing mask,
extra strong and suitable
for either foil or light
sabre fencing (1906)
Interchangeable
mask
with removable padding.
Suitable for either regular
foil fencing or heavy
broadsword work (1906)
12
Masks according to the catalogue by Negrini (1930)
Fencing masks according to WKC Fechtwaffen, WKC (1932)
Fencing mask (1930)60
Sabre Fencing mask, according to the catalogue of Solingen – Wald (1935)61
Sabre Fencing mask, according to the catalogue of Solingen – Wald (1935)
13
Sabre Fencing mask, according to the catalogue of Solingen–Wald (1935)
Sabre mask (Russia) (1938)62
Foil mask, according to catalogue of Solingen - Wald (1935)
Vintage European
Fencing Mask63
Epee mask
(1940)
Foil Mask (N. Poddobri 64)
(1940)
Sabre mask “Model Masaniello Parise”, (Italy)
(late 19th century)
Sabre mask derived from
first model “Masaniello
Parise.” Padded hood and
gorget (Italy) (late 19th
century)
Mask for Sabre and bayonet
(1940)
Mask model similar
“Enrichetti” (Italy) (20th
century)
Foil mask (Italy) (1950)
Prieur, France (1976)65
14
Uhlman, Germany (1978)66
Mask (USSR) (1980th period)
The watchful eye of the elegant fencer behind the wire
mask, Germany (1933)67
Joanna de Tuscan with
the transperent mask
(around 1936 period)68
Branimir Zivcovic Transperent fencing masks70 (1997)
Dorina Vaccaroni (Italy) with
the transperant mask (1979)69
Transparent mask by Prieur by
Fritsch Durisotti (1998)71
Transparent mask, designed to be used with Aramis
plastic foil. Made by “Aramis” plastic sword fencing
(2013)73
Transperent fencing
mask by “Allstar”
(2000)72
Modern fencing metal mash mask
Midi-Fence Leon Paul Mask is transparent, it provides
better visibility. Adapted for the initiation of playful
fencing (plastic only), it is ideal for preparing and
encouraging young people to wear an authentic mask
(2017)74
15
Fig. 84
According to FIE regulation from 2014 the wearing of the transparent mask is forbidden at all weapons and
in all FIE competitions.
The mask with the visor was interestingly even used from 1906-1911, for the pistol assault shooting with
wax bullets. The safer mask with wire mesh, equipped with reinforced glass, allows some models to
completely clear the visual field of the shooter. This was ideal for fans of fencing guns who fear their visor
cover of fog. There was also a respirator model mask.75, 76 (Fig. 85).
The first assault pistol shooting clubs appear in 1904. Created by Dr. Paul Devillers from France, and he
invented a wax bullet, like as “lmprovementsin and relatingto Harmless Bullets and Cartridges therefore”,
GB patent #2895, 1906, author: Jean Paul Devillers (France). Development of this game for nowadays is
the paintball.
According to the Argentinian magazine “Caras y caretas” (1902, page 58)77 article, “Harmless Bullets Devillers”
mentioned, that the French company Le Pistolet has rehearsed some curious bullets invented by Dr. Devillers.
which are ideal for pseudoduelists, because they do not hurt anybody, due to the wax bullets. . The duelist are
covered with a fencing mask and black canvas shirt to cushion the shock.
The assault mask (1906)
The assault maskwith the respirator, France
(1909)78
16
Assault mask79
The assault shooting accessories, Portugee
(1908)80
The assault shooting accessories (1909)
The set of the pistols81
The assault pistol, with the wox bullet
17
Dueling pistol set box with wax bullets82
.
Duel with wax bullet (1909)
Duel with wax bullet (1913)83
Fig. 85
Quite interesting solution was made for protection the back side of the unprotected head part by mask,
generaly for epee fencers at 1936 Summer Olympic Games in Berlin, from the book “Berliner Illustrierte
18
Zeitung - Die 16 Olympischen Tage. 1936, page 30, 79 (Fig. 86). Unfortunately authors could not manage
to find more clear picture or and details of this protector device.
Fig. 86
Due to modern designs, on fencing masks it is possible to apply drawings, namely logoa of different
countries, with special approval by the Executive Committee. For example, according to “Drawings on
masks approved by the Executive Committee (06.12.2013)” FIE, masks look like the ones below (Fig 87):
Georgia
Canada
Germany
Great Britain
Fig. 87
There are a variety of interesting ideas for the fencing mask, such as:
19
USA
France
The fencing mask (Patent France #353 287, 1905), author:
Simon-Marie-Auguste Reffet. The mask is made with a single
pieces, without welding and adjusted as needs.
Fig. 88 a
Fig. 88 b
Fencing mask punched perforated sheet (Patent France # FR
413 548, 1910), author, Societe Souzy et de Lacam. The
fencing mask constituted by perforated sheet embossed with
the desired shape, which eliminates the drawbacks of the wire
masks. The perforated plate whose perforations will have any
desired shape: round, oval, curved, elc., Then, this sheet will
be stamped in the shape desirec by known mechanical means,
which will give to the obtained piece, as a result of the
hardening of the metal during stamping resistance and
rigidity necessary for effective protection. (Fig. 88 a)
Fencing mask for children (Patent France # 113 2492, 1955),
author Louis Anselme. The mask for children made by plastic
material, for example polyvinylchloride, having, in the zone
corresponding to the eyes, perforations or meshes sufficiently
fine to oppose the accidental passage of the button of the foil
or other similar weapon. - more or less sharp, this area thus
forming a security screen, without however impeding the
visibility of the user. (Fig. 88 b).
Toy mask for fencing (A model of utility of Spain #0 062
794,1957), author: Don Agustin Montero Torres. The mask
constisted by a mixed trellis so that it is divided into three
parts: an upper one that coincides with the frontal, with the
orifices of quadrangular shape, and another central one,
which coincides with the eyes and that is a band with holes in
the form of rhombuses, and another inferior one, which
comprises part of the nose, mouth and jaws and which has the
same realization of the superior.
Protective mask (Patent Spain #ES 0 092 091, 1962), author
Torrents, Luis. Protective mask, is kind of the comprising a
semi-oval part of metallic fabric, characterized in practicing
in the central area, faced with the user's visual, a draft in
which a frame fixed with a transparent glass or similar is fixed
20
or colored, and behind it a sheet of non-rigid transparent
material, said window being fixed by means of screws, rivets
or the like, preferably with the provision of a second frame,
in such a way that the peripheral zone of the draft is contained
between them. (Fig. 88c)
Fig. 88c
Fencing mask (Patent SU #715 095, 1980), author: Vladimir
Gerasimenko and others. in the mask has punched conic the
nozzles, fixed on front part of a mask in the field of
respiratory organs, in the front part of a mask and nozzles are
executed from a transparent shock-resistant material. Mask
made from polystyrene (Fig. 89).
Fig. 89
Fencing mask (Patent France #2 595 950, 1886), author:
Gerard Duperray, proposed mask which is equipped with an
inner cap, and allow regulate the mask according the size of
the head (Fig. 90).
Fig. 90
Fencing mask (Patent France #2 595 949, 1986), author:
Gerard Duperray - the rear part of the destiny mask constitute
the lateral faces and the perforated top side is constituted by
a perforated metal sheet (Fig. 91).
Fig. 91
A
B
Arveras Garcia proposed “Fencing mask ventilation“ (Fig. 92
a), (2009)84 model # U2 008 002 333, where was used the flat
helical type fan (originally designed for cooling systems of
electronic devices); significantly silent and of minimum
weight and size, this device is housed in the upper interior
face of the front grille of the mask. This ventilation unit is fed
through a cable from a 3.6 V rechargable storage unit,
protected in turn by a PVC cover and fixed to the rear security
strip of the mask.
According to above mentioned idea, ”Fencing mask
ventilation” was protected (Patent EP #2 186 552, 2010),
author: Arveras Garcia. The fencing mask includes an internal
ventilation system which allows a significant reduction of the
high temperature generated inside the mask. For this proposed
to use combination of a flat helicoidally fan, placed on the
upper inner zone of the mask's front mash, with an
accumulator and electrical switch, placed on the rear security
strip of the mask. (Fig. 92 b)
Fig 92
21
Equipment for practicing sport fencing (EP #1 051 998,
2000), author: Nocolino Alvaro. Protective mask for
practising sport fencing, characterized in that it comprises a
body made of high strength moulded plastic which is at least
partly perforated and is attached, in a manner such that it can
be tilted, to a skull cap which fits on the top of the user's head,
the said mask having a viewing part consisting of a perforated
metal strip at the front or a transparent visor (Fig. 92 c).
Fig. 92 c
Fencing mask (Patent RU # 2 181 065, 2002), authors
Kharchenko E.F., Kurmashova I.A., Chervjakov A.S.,
Kutishchev A.V. The fencing mask’s vision member made
from shock-resistant transparent material. (Fig. 92d).
Fig. 92 d
By the John Patrik Nilsson (2014),85 proposed transparant mask design idea ”Balestra” (Fig. 93)
Fig. 93
Fencing mask (Patent US #2 362 597, 1941), author: Joseph D. Vince. This invention relates for
improvements of the masks, in protection and to combine in a more or less integral form, the face rim, bib
and chin pad, and to permit and facilitate the removal of said parts for the purpose of cleaning those elements
(Fig. 94 a); Bib and chin pad slightly folded for attachment to the mask (Fig.94 b); Face rim, bib and chin
pad for attachment to the mask (Fig.94 c); Integrally combined face rim, bib and chin pad for attaching the
latter to the mask (Fig. 94 d):
22
A
B
c
d
Fig.94
The similar idea, but more modern way was offered by Barry Rene Paul, in his invention Protective mask
(Patent US #6701536, 2004), also “Protective mask for fencers” (Patent GB #2374517, 2002), authors:
Barry Rene Paul, Lance Gordon Rake. (Fig. 95 a), and this idea was realized under the name of X-Change
Spring Case Mask, by Leon Paul (Fig. 95 b):86
Protective mask
(Patent US #6 701 536)
b. X-Change Spring Case FIE mask, by “Leon
Paul”
Fig. 95
The X-Change system allows all the fabric parts to be completely removed from the Stainless-steel shell
and washed. This keeps your mask clean and fresh; The bib can be slid out of the mask which means that
it is possible to wash it or replace, also possible to have a range of different bibs for different occasions.
For example, to use a black coaching in time of giving a lesson, exchange it for a epee or foil bib.
Another invention by Leon Paul (US Patent #0 070 202, 2003), “Protective mask”, authors: Barry Rene
Paul and Lance Gordon Rake “Improved protective mask” (Patent GB #2 380 657, 2003), authors: Barry
Rene Paul and Lance Gordon Rake. This invention relates to an improved protective mask, and in particular
a fencing mask for protecting the head and neck of a wearer while fencing using epee, foil or sabres,
although it could also be used to protect the head and neck of the wearer during other contact sports such
as Kendo (Fig. 96).87
Fig. 96
The similar idea proposed in the inventions “Fencing mask” (Patent US #0 238 842, 2015), author:
Cheyenne Hua. In this invention fencing mask having a front metal mesh portion, a bib portion extending
from a lower portion of the front metal mesh portion, and a securing portion extending from the front metal
mesh portion for securing the mask on a user. The securing portion is made up of at least two spaced apart
elements that define a gap therebetween for accommodating a user's ponytail (Fig. 100).
23
Fig. 100
The protecting mask for the fencers88 (USSR Patent #178 192, 1992), authors: Khachaturian and others,
made by synthetic bullet proof glass material (1). The back side of the mask equipped with the ventilation
holes. The mask can be hold on the head with help of two crossing to each other elements 17, which
afterword can be fixed on the mask (Fig. 101).
Fig. 101
The presented interesting transforming mask is also “Fencing mask” (Patent GB #2 446 885, 2008),
proposed by Leon Paul Equipment Co LTD, author: Barry Rene Paul. In this invention the fencing mask
assembly comprises with a main body formed of plastics material for protecting the head of a wearer, and
having at least one aperture in a front region thereof exposing at least the eye (23) and mouth (24) regions.
A first face guard (26) and a second face guard (28) are detachably securable to the main body to cover the
aperture or apertures. The first face guard (26) is mesh and securable to cover the eye and mouth aperture
or apertures. The second face guard (28) is a two-part or composite guard having a lower mesh part (30)
and an upper transparent screen or visor part (29), with said lower mesh part being securable either
individually or combined with the visor portion over the mouth aperture, and the upper visor part (29) being
securable individually or as combined with the ower mesh portion and securable over the eye aperture
region (Fig. 102).
24
Fig. 102
Similar to the above-mentioned mask was produced by “Prieur” (2005)89 (Fig. 103)
Fig. 103
The integral fencing mask (Patent France #2 881 057, 2005), authors: Donot Jean Marciano and Frederica,
proposed integrated protection entire head and neck of the fencer (Fig. 104).
Fig. 104
Air Mask system improves mask wearability, produced by Gajardoni.90 It’s an exclusive LAJOLO patent,
completely handmade inItaly (2015) (Fig. 105). The Air Mask system is based on an air buffer, dynamically
and fast adjustable by the owner following its personal needs.The buffer permits to the air fluently distribute
even those zones usually left empty, creating a comforting feeling of wrapping and letting the athlete to
choose the strength of it.As a complementary benefit, all problems about half sizes are solved.The front
support is made in a super absorbent tissue, engineered to grant a great perspirability and a very quick
absorption of sweat (less than 1 second!), leaving the support always perfectly dry and giving thermoregulating properties.
25
Fig. 105
Students from the “Integrated Product Design” Fachhochschule Coburg91 (2004), proposed the design of
the transparent mask and fencing outfeet (Fig. 106 a), and for the German In In Tauberbischofsheim
(Olympic team's training camp, Germany) by the same group was developed another design of the mask
(2004). The project aimed at increasing the attractiveness of a far more insiders known and accessible
sport92 (Fig. 106 b).
A
B
Fig. 106
Fencing mask design, was developed in partnership with Juliana Gritens and Rosangela Nehls (2009) (Fig,
107)93
Fig. 107
26
For the safety reasons, by the Taís Mauk94 (the authors appreciated the kind permission from Tais for
publication), industrial designer at Rhode Island School of Design (2014), proposed original design of the
mask. The challenge was to create a mask that protects the brain stem, permits visibility, and yet can be
opened with one hand (Fig. 108)
a
B
c
Fig. 108
Here we would like to underline, that the design of the helmet (Fig. 108 a ), looks like as designs of the old
existing German helmets for 1525-1530 period95 (Fig. 109a) or helmet from the period of 1788.96 (Fig.
109 b).
A
B
Fig. 109
Initial concept sketches focused on how to completely contain the fencer's head, while still allowing the
range of visibility and movement necessary. The final concept is faceted polygonal enclosure, maintaining
inspiration from the form of traditional masks, but bringing an updated edge to the style (Fig. 110)
27
Fig. 110
The new design incorporates a steel mesh which encases the fencer's entire head. It can be opened by
depressing a button in the rear of the helmet. The helmet also uses a rigid plastic bib which is segmented
by flexible rubber hinges. This hard plastic prevents a majority of throat injuries. (Fig. 11)
Fig. 111
The redesign also features embedded LED lights which work in combination with the electronic scoring
systems. They illuminate when a touch is scored. This brings added entertainment value for spectators who
may be unfamiliar with the sport (Fig. 112)
Fig. 112
Designer Sam Kwan’s (from the Hong Kong) Fhexomask97 (2015) is a conceptual fencing mask design
which is to challenge the form and style of a classic fencing mask. The mask is a pure imagination of form
and style of the fencing mask after 10 years (Fig. 113 a).
There is also a similar design, for example the helmet STARK-2 by Brassguard, which is recomended for
airsoft, knife combat training, hard CQB battle98 (Fig. 113 B)
28
A
B
Fig. 113
Interesting design was proposed by Neuvoir - Fencing Head and Neck Support, Consumer Product Award,
Core77 Design Awards 2016. This mask has Polycarbonate visor designed to avoid distortion and offer
maximum clarity, thus increasing visibility and performance. The rear of the mask is enclosed providing
protection from blade hits and concussions. Neck brace: The light-weight carbon fiber neck brace is worn
underneath the helmet and works with the mask, protecting the fencer from whiplash and hyperextension
of the neck. The support flexes as the fencer moves, mimicking natural body movements during combat
(Fig. 114 A).99 This iscombination of updated versions of the esxiting elements, for example, from the
Medieval Leather Gorget Pattern 16th century100 and Mask101 with back skirt and back plate for back of head
protection (Fig. 114 B).
A
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B
Fig. 114Interesting design was provided for the FIE Fashion Show, at FIE 105th congress in Paris,
(December 9, 2018), where was highlighted the technological and modern aspects of fencing.
For this reason, was combined knowledge of traditional fencing uniforms with an innovative technology
and a futuristic design. Was integrated a LED panel with the functionality of a scoring machine to the jacket
and created a very special mask with an "openable" visor. Was created an updated pattern and added some
modern design elements to the uniform was provided by “Allstar fechten Center” 102 (Fig. 114a) and by
“Prieur Sports” 103 (Fig. 114 b)
Fig. 114a
30
Fig. 114 b
According to Ben Paul article (2018)104 “ .., we decided to 3D print the mask for the FIE gala fashion show
and use the mill to make some of the metal fittings for the mask. I believe in 10 years’ time all or
most fencing mask will be 3D printed from metal in a honeycomb structure so it is lighter and more
breathable and be fully adjustable to a customer’s head. This project presented is a nice way to start testing
these theories and offer an outlook towards the future of fencing, which the FIE gala was all about.
We used some carbon fiber to strengthen the mask and we could have used some neck protection that we
use in HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts), but we decided this took away from the aesthetics and
this was after all a fashion project trying to show how the future of fencing might look. Here's the mask in
action at the fashion show: (Fig.114 c)
31
Fig. 114 c
From this work I really think in the future masks can be produced from 3D printing in Titanium and designs
could be made that were lighter, stronger and more practical. The technology will become cheaper over
time and I cannot wait to see the first mask produced using this technique”
The fencing mask, as a protection of the face, was used also in a different kind of sport, like as Savate
French pronunciation: also known asboxe française, French boxing, French kickboxing or French foot
fighting, is a Frenchmartial artthat uses the hands and feet as weapons combining elements of western
boxing with grace fulkicking techniques. Its name from the French for “old shoe” (heavy footwear,
especially the boots used by French military and sailors). The modern formalized form is mainly an
amalgam of French street fightingtechniques from the beginning of the 19th century. There are also many
types of savate rules. Savate was then a type of street fighting common in Paris and northern France. Savate
is one of the few styles of kickboxing in which the fighters habitually wear shoes. A male practitioner of
savate is called a tireur while a female is called a tireuse.105
In the article “La Savate originelle” (“The original Savate”),106 shown that the fighters are using mask, for
the face protection (Fig. 115).
32
Boxers using a protection mask, providede on a poster of Hubert Lecour (French boxing teacher)
(1820-1871) period107
Fig. 115
Very interesting idea, protection the surface was used for fighting with horses, for example: Protection for
the horses of Cossack (Russia) (1899).108 (Fig. 116 a); or naval and military tournament. Swordsmanship
against spear, the protective helmet for horses’ head that was used in the tournament, Madrid, Spain, 1910
(Fig. 116 b ).109
Protection of Cossack (Russia) horses (1899) (a)
(b)
Fig. 116
Interesting idea is using the fencing mask for the “Small wars” and modern conflicts (1945-1965), when
the soldier practicing stalking in the Malayan jungle in preparation for jungle patrols as part of the counterinsurgency campaign of the Malayan Emergency. He is using an air rifle and has a fencing mask to protect
his face and eyes from pellets (Fig. 117)110
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Fig. 117
According to the article by Aleksandra Andonovska “Scold’s bridle - The gruesome medieval torture
instrument worn to deter women from gossiping…”,111 there is presented interesting design of 18th-century
scold’s bridle (Fig. 118) which looks very similar of the rare example of an early fencing mask, provided
on an previous picture.
Fig. 118
Remarkable solution and idea for girls boxing in fencing costume. Argentina, (1913),112 that with impunity
and without detriment to the physical, the beautiful sex can practice such a hygienic sport, the director of
the superior school of Dover, has devised the curious toilette that represent our engravings (Fig. 119)
Mask and protective breastplate
Fencing suit for women
Fig. 119
For the sportsman safety and protection, mainly head and face is very important, not only in fencing also
in other kind of sports. Just for interested readers, below are given some inventions-solutions and protection
devices for head, for ex., head protector developed by Robert W. Turner (US Patent #261 408, (1882) meant
to drape netting or other material to protect against bees, mosquitoes or flying objects (Fig. 120 A); “Face
protection for baseball catchers: Improvement in mask”, US Patent #200 358 (1878), author Fredok W.
Thayer (Fig. 120 B); US Patent #379655 (1888) author Dennis O’Sullivan, “Face protect baseball catchers”
(Fig. 120 C); “Baseball mask” US Patent #628 724 (1899), author Burt T. Rogers (Fig.120 D); “Baseball
catcher”, US patent #755 209 (1904, author James E. Bennett), relates to certain new and useful
improvements in devices to be used by the catchers and other players which will protect the hands, the same
being so constructed as to receive and retain the ball without the players hands coming in contact therewith
(Fig. 120 E) and quite original and funny idea not for humans was proposed in invention the “Eye protector
for chickens” (US patent #730 918, 1903, author A. Jackson Jr.), which was related to eye-protectors, and
34
more particularly to eye-protectors designed for fowls, so that they may be protected from other fowls that
might attempt to peck them, by providing a construction which may be easily and quickly applied and
removed and which will not interfere with the sight of the fowl (Fig. 120 F), and etc.
A
B
C
D
E
F
Fig. 120
35
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39