c.1917

World War I Gas Mask

World War I (1914-1918) was an international conflict that included most of Europe as well as Russia, Japan, the Middle East and the United States who entered the conflict in April 1917. Mainly fought between the Central Powers and the Allies, the war was devastating to Europe and featured the implementation of trench warfare, massive artillery barrages, strategic bombing by aircraft and the use of poisonous gasses to debilitate or kill opponents.

This gas mask is in the style used by American Expeditionary Forces during World War I-a face piece and metal canister connected by a fabric and rubber accordion hose. A bag was used for carrying the mask and canister, in addition to anti-dimming composition (for cleaning the mask lenses) and an in-struction booklet. A soldier would wear the mask and hang the bag containing the filtering canister around his neck, leaving both hands free. Toxins were reduced by absorption in the charcoal filter within the canister, protecting the lungs when air was inhaled. Lenses protected the eyes, however, the mask did not protect the wearer from gas absorbed through the skin.