Antique Welding Helmet from the Early 1900′s

This welding hood – welding helmet was used in the early 1900′s, probably around 1918. As you can see from the picture, it was designed to shield not only the eyes from the ultraviolet light, but also the face and neck. Even back then it was pretty cutting edge as it had a flip up lens. When you weren’t welding, you’d flip up the lens and be able to see normally.



This thing looks like it weighs a ton though, and I’d imagine that wearing it would be hot, heavy, and uncomfortable. On the plus side it would make for a great Halloween costume for the kids, assuming they had enough upper body strength to wear it.



I don’t know what to say about these pictures other than for once, I’m glad they don’t make them like they used to.

Antique Welding Helmet in Action!