French WWI M2 Gas Mask & Carrier

French WWI M2 Gas Mask & Carrier

Model 1916 treated canvas and padded gauze gas mask has blue painted metal bezels for the amber isinglass eye lenses, both of which remain intact, and olive brown elastic head harness straps.  Brown gas-proof treated fabric remains pliable, and is marked with size "TAILLE ORDINAIRE" on the reverse side of one corner.  The black adhesive substance around the interior of the lenses that always remains slightly tacky even after 100 years has migrated to the lenses and mostly obscured them.  Carrier is heavily stained from the gas-proof treatment soaking through (as they nearly always are), and from field service.  Interior has pocket for an extra lens.  After trying many different experimental masks, the M2 was the backbone of the French gas protection efforts through the end of the war, remaining in service even after the German-style ARS was placed in service in 1918.  In addition to French troops, many of the first A.E.F. soldiers were issued M2 masks, and later the M2 was issued as reserve masks for front line troops.

$400 - $600