M1916 gas mask

OBJECT NAME

Rahmenmaske (known among collectors as Gas mask M1916)

NATION

German Empire

DATE OF INTRODUCTION

Spring 1916 (A.O.K.6, St.O.Gas n.38348/3549 3.17, 24.3.1917)

FEATURES

Made of rubberised cloth to prevent gas absorption, the Rahmenmaske (framed gas mask) was a progression from the previous Linienmaske (line gas mask) but with major improvements. The first ones manufactured had the same thin rubberised cloth as Linienmasken, but shortly thereafter it was made thicker to be more resistant against gas penetration and accidental damage. The first masks manufactured used the same elastic bands to support it on the soldier's head, but in Autumn 1916 the mask was fitted with the new spring-cloth covered straps (called Spiralbänder), that had an adjunctive “Y” elastic strap on the front.

FILTERS

Rahmenmasken were fitted with 11-11 filter type and starting summer 1917, the new 11-C-11 series filters, both filters with three layers (Dreischichteneinsatz).

MANUFACTURERS

According to the War Ministry circular from January 1917 (KM, Chem.Abt.n.310/ 1.17, 12.1.1917), the manufacturers were Auergesellschaft, Berlin; Hanseatische Apparatebaugesellschaft, Kiel; Drägerwerk, Lübeck; K. (unknown); C. (unknown).

CARRYING CANS

A great variety of carrying cans were used to store the Rahmenmasken. The first carrying cans were made by welding together the separate tins used for the Linienmasken, and only in March 1916, a War Ministry circular (KM n.5200/ 3.16) introduced the Bereitschaftbuechse (or single container ready for use), known among collectors as  Bereitschaftbuechse 1916.

METHOD OF WEARING

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.