Gas mask case : German Army Accession Number: RELAWM04523.012

Description

Cylindrical metal case to hold the German 'Lederschutzmaske' respirator. The case has a hinged cap secured by a simple wire over-centre clasp. The base is impressed with the maker's marking 'R.F.A.G.' Three flat metal loops are attached to the exterior for the suspension strap. This strap is a pale brown woven ersatz item, approximately 120 cm long, with a single metal slide and a leather reinforcement strip at its end. The exterior of the case is painted in an overall olive green colour, while the interior has a black lacquered finish. A circular card loose in the bottom is headed 'Gebrauchsanweisung' and gives instructions for the use of the mask. Inside the cap is a small circular lidded compartment with a spring clip to retain spare eyepieces. A pair of unused eyepieces are present, wrapped in a waxed paper bag with the words 'Klarscheiben vor Feuchtigkeit schutzen nicht wischen, nur am Rand anfassen, so einlegen:' ('For protection from moisture do not wipe, hold by edges to insert.') printed in black upon it. The eyepieces are of yellowed celluloid, with cardboard backing disks to protect their gelatine coated inner surfaces from moisture.

Contextual Description

This metal case was designed to hold the 'Gummimaske' rubberised fabric respirator, which was introduced into German Army service in late 1915. When this mask was replaced in 1917 by the 'Lederschutzmaske' ('Leather protection mask') the same case was adapted with few modifications. The most notable of these was the inclusion of a small circular compartment inside the lid to store the replacement eyepieces which were a feature of the new respirator. The interior of the case was given a black lacquered finish to protect against corrosion. The mask could be quickly packed when not required by inserting, canister first, and then carefully folding the eyepieces over the top.