Gas mask : German Army Accession Number: RELAWM04524.007

Description

German respirator made of grey rubberised cotton with cotton webbing and elastic head straps. A long dark grey cotton webbing strap fits loosely around the neck, enabling the mask to be worn in the 'alert' position. The edge of the mask is bound with a fine pale grey cotton fabric, the external seams of which are sealed with a brown rubber compound. The external fabric on the lower left hand cheek is stamped in black ink 'AGD No R138 C 27', and a large numeral '1' (possibly a size marking) is stamped in black below the eyepieces. The eyepieces are single thicknesses of celluloid with unpainted steel rims, which are sealed into the mask with white cotton binding. There is no apparent provision for replacing the eye pieces if scratched or misted. A green painted circular steel plate with a threaded socket is let into the mask opposite the wearer's nose and mouth, and is also sealed with cotton binding. Grey flannel fabric is wrapped around the inner edge of the steel plate, presumably to protect the wearer's face and to reduce condensation . A rubber gasket at the top of the socket forms a seal when the green painted steel screw on canister is fitted. The inner seams of the mask are stamped with the numeral '5288' in red ink and '266' in purple ink. The outer face of the steel plate is impressed '"No12 A.G.D.', while the top face of the canister is stamped in purple ink '21. Juni 1918' and '11-11 K"S"'. A maker's marking, which appears to be a stylised 'W' or 'M' on an oval, is impressed into the canister.

Contextual Description

Originally displayed on a mannequin in AWM galleries as part of full German private's uniform (tunic, greatcoat, boots, rifle, helmet, helmet armour plate and body armour). The simple cotton construction of this mask, and of the eye pieces, which lack the usual protective metal wheel or other anti-dimming precautions, indicate that this is an example of the "Gummimaske", (also known as "Linienmaske") first issued to German troops in late 1915, and remaining in limited service until replaced in 1917 by more advanced models. The presence of elastic straps, replacing the original system of cotton ties, would suggest that this particular item dates from early 1917. The mask accepts the same type of screw-in canister (which utilises a standard thread mass produced by 'Osram' for use on light bulbs and fittings) as the late war respirators which replaced it. The 1918 date on the fitted canister may indicate that this mask remained in use throughout the war, or that a spare canister was fitted at the Memorial for display purposes.