German 'Lederschutzmaske' leather gas mask and carry case

German 'Lederschutzmaske' [Leather protection mask] gas mask and container. The mask is made from a single piece of chrome-tanned sheepskin dipped in an oil sealant solution. The single seam running under the chin and the folded edge of the mask, are coated with a black sealant lacquer containing rubber.

The eyepieces consist of two layers of yellowed celluloid set in painted circular steel frames with leather gaskets where they are let into the mask. Internally, the eyepieces have removable metal 'wheels' enabling the inner layer (which was coated with gelatine to absorb moisture) to be replaced. Khaki cotton head straps are connected to coiled springs inside cotton sleeves to keep mask in place. A long khaki cotton webbing strap attached near the chin enables the mask to be suspended around the neck.

A length of ersatz paper cord is threaded through a metal loop at the top of the canister mount. The cord passes up the length of the mask, between the eye pieces to a circular metal button at the rear of the mask. The two ends of the cord are tied together.

A rusted grey-green canister filter unit is attached to the mask. When the canister is removed a red stamped '162' and embossed 'M2' is found on the outside circular metal mounting surface of the mask. On the canister itself is stamped in red ink '139' and in black ink 'B 11.Jun 18 / 11-C-11'. The bottom of the canister is shellacked and lined with paper backing board. A bent tin ring and attachment piece is also in the middle of the canister.

The gas mask's stamped tin carry case is painted grey-green and is scratched and dented in many places, exposing the original black paint under layer. A hinged lid is attached to the top of the carry case, and was secured by a single latch (not present). On the bottom of the carry case is stamped 'R.F.A.G.'. The inside of the carry case is coated in a black gloss paint with several scratches into the paint, causing rust. On the inside of the lid is a circular hinged metal flap for storing spare lenses (not present) for the gas mask.

One end of a grey-green carry strap made from cotton tape is attached to the case, with the other end loose. A smaller piece of cotton tape, complete with a sewn button hole, is also attached to the lower side of the carry case for securing to the wearer when in use.

The Germans used both leather 'leder' and rubber 'gummi' masks during the First World War. Sometimes referred to as 'model 1917', after the year of its introduction, this style of gas mask was also known as the 'Ledermaske (Gasmaske 17)'. The spoked metal devices on the inside of both lenses were known informally as 'spiders'. These were removed on the improved Gasmaske 18.

The gas mask carry case was known as a Lederschutzmaske (Bereitschaftsbuchen). This case contained a small compartment in the lid for spare set of lenses and usually contained an instruction sheet at the bottom explaining how to use the gas mask.

Due to the effective Royal Navy blockade of German ports, apart from the metal, ersatz (substitute) materials were also used in the production of gas mask cans.

One historically interesting note about the gas filters which were fitted to these German gas masks in the First World War was that they had an un-modified standard Osram brand street light screw fitting. This commercially successful innovation was utilised in the construction of the filters to enable their quick change and in the fitting of enhanced versions of filters as required without discarding the mask itself.