Anti-riot shield, standard pattern, 1967 (c)

Aluminium with mesh upper section, with leather grips. With Inspectorate of Stores and Clothing paper label with wax seal.

The British Army became experienced in riot control during its service in Northern Ireland. Shields were carried as protection from thrown stones and bottles. This type of shield was replaced by perspex shields that were lighter and provided greater protection.

Sealed patterns were used to govern manufacturing standards, establishing a prototype of any item that the British Army issued to soldiers. It provided clothing or equipment suppliers with an example to copy.