OBJECT NAME

Bereitschaftbüchse (or ready-to-use single container, known among collectors as Type M1917)

NATION

German Empire

DATE OF INTRODUCTION

June 6th 1917 (KM, Allg.Kriegs.Dep.n.2852/ 5.17, 6.6.1917)

FEATURES

It was the official container for the Ledermaske and was adopted by the same circular of the Ministry of War (KM, Allg.Kriegs.Dep.n.2852/ 5.17, 6.6.1917) that introduced this new Ledermaske (leather gas mask). It was certainly in use at the front and was also used by soldiers for the old rubber masks (Linienmaske or Rahmenmasken). Its main features are: being a little taller than the transport cans for rubber masks, a wire hook to securely fasten the lid, and an all-black lacquered inner side. A paper disc with instructions was placed on its inner bottom.

MANUFACTURERS

Manufacturers were unknown until now, but it is assumed many steel firms made it, due to the presence of many different firm letters stamped on them.

WEARING METHOD

Every soldier and officer at the front had to carry his gas mask with him. The carrying can was usually hung from the neck and put on the breast or on the side. When the gas alarm was given, he must quickly open the can, extract the gas mask and fit it to the wearer’s head. Filters could be easily changed by unscrewing the first and screwing on the new one. After use, the mask had to be cleaned, checked if damaged or not, and put completely dry inside the carrying can.