The sniper mask used in WWI was dual purposed. First it provided a level of protection as armor. It allowed the sniper to be able to take an elevated firing position above a trench line and as such would deflect incoming rounds. read more
In the same way that the Gaede helmet varied in shape, so did the sniper's mask. This version has quite a tapered/pointed front (whereas some were quite flat-faced). There once would have been a thin (padded) metal plate at the top that would have seated on top of the wearer's head, there would also have been leather straps to fasten in place, these of course have long gone. read more
Soldiers in front-line trenches suffered from enemy snipers. These men were usually specially trained marksmen that had rifles with telescopic sights. German snipers did not normally work from their own trenches. The main strategy was to creep out at dawn into no-man's land and remain there all day. read more