Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. The P helmet, PH helmet and PHG helmet were early types of gas mask issued by the British Army in the First World War, to protect troops against chlorine, phosgene and tear gases. Rather than having a separate filter for removing the toxic chemicals, they consisted of a gas-permeable hood worn over the head which was treated with chemicals.

The P (or Phenate) Helmet, officially called the Tube Helmet, appeared in July 1915, replacing the simpler Hypo Helmet. It featured two glass eyepieces instead of the single visor of its predecessor, and added an exhale valve fed from a metal tube which the wearer held in his mouth. The exhale valve was needed because a double layer of flannel – one treated and one not – was needed because the solution attacked the fabric.

This is an extraordinary example of a British P Helmet that comes with its original “new pattern” satchel with two compartments and an interior pouch that shows extreme degradation. The front of the soft helmet is faintly stamped “P”, for Phenate. The exterior is in great shape with some oxidation staining around the eyepieces and valve. The valve has broken away from the front of the mask long ago, but interestingly, the interior valve piece is still retained! Very rare to see. Both of the eyepieces retain their glass entirely, which is almost never the case. The interior has a lovely plaid pattern, a great representation of the scarcity of materials during this period and the willingness to use any available material to complete contracts.

The cloth behind the left eyepiece has some material loss from the oxidation. The valve is mostly retained on the exterior but what remains now is extremely stiff and fragile with a small bit of tearing in the cloth around it.

The helmet when laid out measures 18 ½ x 20”, and with some work, this helmet could display well on a mannequin head. Please be extremely cautious due to the looseness of the interior valve. This set could use some TLC for proper display and preservation.

The original carrying satchel is the “new pattern”, with a divider so that there are two compartments on the interior. This is from an extract from a Second Army signal regarding the 'return of surplus P.H.G. or P.H. helmets when the small box respirator is issued':

“It is found that the old pattern satchel is not large enough to contain a helmet and a pair of rubber sponge goggles whereas the new pattern has two compartments and is specially made to contain both appliances. Will you therefore please arrange that when units return P.H.G. or P.H. helmets on receipt of the small box respirators, they should as far as possible retain the new type of satchel and return the old pattern..."

The satchel is missing one of the two front buttons, but the strap buttons are all retained. There is some heavy stitching loss at the connection points of the strap to the satchel.

Also included is a 7 x 9 ½” pouch with extremely heavy tearing and material loss which was inside of the satchel. This is the “inner wallet” that the helmet would sit inside of. Very rare to have all pieces like this!

An outstanding example of what is truly one of the rarest WWI gas masks. This is the first example of a P helmet we have ever offered, so don’t miss out! Comes ready to display.