This case contained a small compartment in the lid for spare set of lenses and usually contained an instruction sheet at the bottom explaining how to use the gas mask.ĭue to the effective Royal Navy blockade of German ports, apart from the metal, ersatz (substitute) materials were also used in the production of gas mask cans. The gas mask carry case was known as a Lederschutzmaske (Bereitschaftsbuchen). These were removed on the improved Gasmaske 18.
The spoked metal devices on the inside of both lenses were known informally as 'spiders'. Sometimes referred to as 'model 1917', after the year of its introduction, this style of gas mask was also known as the 'Ledermaske (Gasmaske 17)'. The Germans used both leather 'leder' and rubber 'gummi' masks during the First World War. A smaller piece of cotton tape, complete with a sewn button hole, is also attached to the lower side of the carry case for securing to the wearer when in use. One end of a grey-green carry strap made from cotton tape is attached to the case, with the other end loose. On the inside of the lid is a circular hinged metal flap for storing spare lenses (not present) for the gas mask. The inside of the carry case is coated in a black gloss paint with several scratches into the paint, causing rust. On the bottom of the carry case is stamped 'R.F.A.G.'. A hinged lid is attached to the top of the carry case, and was secured by a single latch (not present). The gas mask's stamped tin carry case is painted grey-green and is scratched and dented in many places, exposing the original black paint under layer. A bent tin ring and attachment piece is also in the middle of the canister. The bottom of the canister is shellacked and lined with paper backing board. On the canister itself is stamped in red ink '139' and in black ink 'B 11.Jun 18 / 11-C-11'. When the canister is removed a red stamped '162' and embossed 'M2' is found on the outside circular metal mounting surface of the mask. The two ends of the cord are tied together.Ī rusted grey-green canister filter unit is attached to the mask. The cord passes up the length of the mask, between the eye pieces to a circular metal button at the rear of the mask. A long khaki cotton webbing strap attached near the chin enables the mask to be suspended around the neck.Ī length of ersatz paper cord is threaded through a metal loop at the top of the canister mount. Khaki cotton head straps are connected to coiled springs inside cotton sleeves to keep mask in place. Internally, the eyepieces have removable metal 'wheels' enabling the inner layer (which was coated with gelatine to absorb moisture) to be replaced. The eyepieces consist of two layers of yellowed celluloid set in painted circular steel frames with leather gaskets where they are let into the mask. The single seam running under the chin and the folded edge of the mask, are coated with a black sealant lacquer containing rubber. The mask is made from a single piece of chrome-tanned sheepskin dipped in an oil sealant solution. WW1 German masks had no exhalation valve and the wearer breathed in and out through the filter.German 'Lederschutzmaske' gas mask and container. The mask and filter plate were reduced in size to ensure that less exhaled air would build up inside the mask. The fit was improved due to the addition of a strap across the top of the forehead and a more rigid frame (Rahmen means frame in German). On the right is the improved Rahmenmaske introduced during the spring or early summer of 1916. This specific model is referred to as Bandmaske in most of the sources I've found. On the left hand side is an early M1915 Gummimaske introduced late in 1915 and widely issued by January 1916. The term Gummimaske is used to describe all models of German WW1 gas masks made of rubberized cloth. I hope it answers some of your questions. A few good online resources have appeared over the years including one or two excellent articles in French. I have spent many years researching the subject and know how sporadic the available information is.
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