Gas mask, Germany, 1915-1918

Made:
1915-1918 in Germany
Gas mask, German. 1915-1918. Front three quarter view Gas mask, German. 1915-1918. Front view

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Gas mask, German. 1915-1918. Front three quarter view
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Gas mask, German. 1915-1918. Front view
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Gas mask with metal container, leather, German make, 1915-1918

Poison gas was a new weapon during the First World War and was first used by the German Army in 1915. The British and French Armies soon followed suit. Fortunately, although good protective equipment was initially quite slow to develop, masks like this one eventually reduced poison gas to a major annoyance rather than the terrifying killer of the early attacks.

Among the chemical weapons used was mustard gas, which caused burns to the skin and blindness. Phosgene gas was also used and was particularly dangerous as it is colourless and almost odourless. This gas affected the lungs and breathing and could also cause heart problems.

Parts

Eyepieces for Gas Mask, Germany, 1915-1918

Eyepieces for Gas Mask, Germany, 1915-1918

Five eyepiece for gas mask, German make, 1915-1918

Materials:
celluloid (cellulose)
Object Number:
A637236/2
type:
eyepiece
Container for Gas Mask, Germany, 1915-1918

Container for Gas Mask, Germany, 1915-1918

Metal container for gas mask, German make, 1915-1918

Measurements:
overall: 170 mm 115 mm,
Materials:
tin (metal)
Object Number:
A637236/3
type:
container - receptacle