Abstract: A protective shield and bracket assembly adapted to cooperate with a flowmeter in which a variable-area flow tube subject to breakage in the course of operation is supported in an upright position within a meter body having a rear wall in a manner exposing all but the rear portion of the tube, whereby the vertical position assumed by a float within the tube may be observed to provide a reading of flow rate. The bracket is formed by a strip which lies against the rear wall of the meter body and is secured thereto, the strip being provided with resilient arms which project forwardly from opposite sides thereof and terminate in fingers to which opposing margins of a channel-shaped transparent plastic shield are attached, whereby the exposed sides of the meter tube are enveloped by the shield to define a safety chamber which confines explosion products resulting from breakage of the tube.