{"product_id":"original-british-wwi-anti-gas-sponge-goggles-with-canvas-tie-straps-circa-1915","title":"Original British WWI Anti-Gas Sponge Goggles with Canvas Tie Straps - Circa 1915","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is an extremely rare pair of WW1 British Anti-Gas Goggles first introduced in May 1915. They are constructed using the same metal framed circular glass lenses used in the PH Helmet and set in a face piece covered with a textured oil cloth, the reverse with rectangular red rubber eye pads and secured in wear by a pair of simple tapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis set is certainly original to the period, but has extremely heavy wear to include heavy deterioration of the oilcloth covering with heavy cracking of the remaining material around the eyepieces. There is the most loss in between the two eyes as shown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, the spongey material to the back has expanded heavily and now nearly entirely covers the interior side of the lenses. Thankfully both glass lenses are retained without cracks or breakage, though there is oxidation in their frames. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth tie strings are well-retained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInitially worn (from May 1915) with the veil, or pad respirator, the goggles were designed to protect the eyes from irritant agents. Following the introduction of the Small Box Respirator (which made its appearance in British service on the Western Front in August 1916) anti-gas goggles were deemed obsolete, and their use discontinued, their short period use contributing to their rarity along with the effects of time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very rare set to find in any condition, ready for further research and display.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44626347098181,"sku":"ONSV26BAJ035","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26BAJ035.jpg?v=1770837738","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-british-wwi-anti-gas-sponge-goggles-with-canvas-tie-straps-circa-1915","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}