I agree with Brock, and also did once see it pictured in a Spalding or Reach Equipment Catalogue from the 1920s (can't remember which). It's definitely legit, and is an exceedingly rare style. Obviously, it never caught on "back in the day"....
My guess is that it was cumbersome to wear, for two reasons...
1. More limited visibility than a traditional wire mask
2. Lack of ventilation and air circulation. Probably made the catcher sweat like a pig!
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