Bullet-proof waistcoat, British Secret Service, c. 1920-21

Bullet-proof waistcoat, British Secret Service, c. 1920-21

Steel bullet-proof waistcoats such as this were worn under the overcoat by officers of the British Secret Service, Auxiliary officers and the Black and Tans. Before adopting this device, the steel was tested in the Dublin Dockyard Company where it was found that it could not be pierced by the heavy punching machines of the type used for punching rivet holes in ships. The steel waistcoats were imported from England for use during the War of Independence.