Original U.S. WWI Experimental Navy M1917 Mark I Gas Mask in Canister - Mouth Canister Type - Rare
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Original Item. Only One Available. The Navy Mark I was one of the earlier masks made by the United States, not to be confused with the later optical Mark I made in WWII. Similar to the German Gummischutzmaske, the Mark I was issued in a metal canister. However, unlike the German Gummischutzmaske, the Mark I used a wide rubber flapper type exhale valve that protruded from the filter inlet stem.
This is an extremely scarce gas mask, the first of this experimental type we have offered. Most resources will point to the date of manufacturing being around 1917-1918, around the same time as the C.E.M. The mask was designed to take the elements of the British Small Box Respirator and the German Gummischutzmaske and make a comfortable and mobile mask during the First World War. There is very little solid information known about this model due to its scarcity.
The mask is actually still a bit pliable, and as someone who has handled 3 other examples of this mask, this is by far the most well-preserved example I’ve seen. Both the front of the mask and the canister are stamped 2, likely the size. The hardened rubber valve on the side of the filter is still intact but is very stiff. These valves are almost always missing from the mask.
The lid of the canister is stamped with a US Navy anchor stamp, and there’s also a name & address written on, likely the name of the sailor who wore it during trials.
A scarce example to find in any condition, ready for further research and display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
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