The bottom of the canister is heavily rusted and through these rusted holes can be seen some of the white coloured filter lining. The remnants of a small manufacturer's stamp are also barely visible. On the canister is stamped in faded blue ink '9u'. When the canister is removed an embossed 'H2' can be seen on the outside circular metal mounting surface of the mask. A long khaki cotton webbing strap attached near the chin enables the mask to be suspended around the neck.Ī rusted and scratched grey-green canister filter unit is attached to the mask. Khaki cotton head straps are connected to coiled springs inside cotton sleeves to keep mask in place.

The right 'spider' fitted to the mask has some of the inner circular metal piece missing. Internally, the eyepieces have removable metal 'spiders' enabling the inner layer (which was coated with gelatine to absorb moisture) to be replaced. The circular eyepieces are made 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 partially made from rubber. The mask is made from a single piece of chrome-tanned sheepskin dipped in an oil sealant solution. German 'Lederschutzmaske' (Leather protection mask) gas mask.

American gas mask ww1