British WWI 'PHG' Artillery Crew Gas Helmet

The Phenate-Hexamine Goggle (PHG) helmet is of gray flannelette with a blue twill flannel pajama material interior lining, fitted with fixed goggles with screw-in metal bezel and glass eye pieces, and a black elastic strap headband that encircles the crown.  The goggles have red sponge rubber interior seals.  The metal tube exhalation valve lacks the exterior rubber flutter valve, though the interior rubber portion survives.  Helmet is stenciled at the base "PHG 42".  This example has the rubber exhalation valve; lacks the rubber portion on the interior. Exterior has extensive stains and discolorations.  Lacks satchel, but does include a non-lined white cotton carry pocket.

The PH helmet is outwardly similar to the P helmet, but with the addition of hexamine to the phenolate and glycerin solution, yielding greater resistance to phosgene gas and some limited protection against hydrocyanic acid.  The PHG was a variant of the PH helmet developed specifically for artillery crews, incorporating sponge rubber goggles to protect gunners from becoming combat ineffective due to the effects of tear gas shells.  These were issued from January 1916 until replaced by the small box respirator which was introduced in August 1916 and became standard issue by January 1917.  $2500-$3000