The Latest in Eye Shields for Desert Warfare — 1943

This extraordinary 1943 wartime portrait shows Margaret Bucci of Washington, D.C., demonstrating experimental eye shields designed for soldiers serving in desert conditions. Their dramatic shape gives the photograph an unexpectedly futuristic appearance, while the story behind their construction reveals an ingenious example of wartime resourcefulness.

Faced with a shortage of suitable celluloid, the Union of South Africa government repurposed old photographic negatives to manufacture the shields. The remaining photographic imagery can still be seen across the lenses, transforming this documentary portrait into a fascinating intersection of photography, military history, recycling, and design.

Artwork Details

• Artist/Creator: United States Office of War Information
• Title: The latest in eye shields—for desert warfare
• Original title: The latest in eye shields—for desert warfare [extended caption title]
• Series: Farm Security Administration / Office of War Information Collection
• Date: March 1943
• Period: World War II
• Place of Origin: United States
• Medium: Black-and-white photograph

Framed Print Details

• Fine art printing: Professional 12-color fine art printing technology produces vivid, accurate colors with strong tonal depth and significantly greater nuance than standard 4-color inkjet printing.
• Paper: Smooth premium matte paper with a clean, glare-free finish.
• Paper weight: 200 gsm (80 lb).
• Paper thickness: 0.26 mm (10.3 mils).
• Frame material: Durable pine wood.
• Frame dimensions: Approximately 20 mm (0.79 in) deep and 10–14 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide.
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the print while keeping the framed artwork lightweight.
• Ready to hang: A hanging kit is included, allowing the framed print to be mounted directly on the wall.
• Available sizes: Offered in a range of sizes to suit different spaces.
• Materials: Printed using FSC-certified paper and wood where available.
• Production: Each framed print is produced to order through a trusted international network of professional print studios.
• Shipping: Worldwide shipping is available.
• Made to order: There is no minimum order quantity. Each piece is printed and assembled on demand, reducing unnecessary stock and waste.

Exact frame dimensions, component availability, and production specifications may vary slightly depending on the selected size and destination.