M1917 pouch for gas mask filter

OBJECT NAME

Stofftasche für Atemeinsatz (cloth bag for spare filter, 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 is a small bag made of cotton or linen fabric for carrying the spare filter. It is constructed in such a way that it can be suspended from the soldier's belt by a loop. Several variations are known, both in regards to the position of the loop and the type of fabric and colour used. According to the official circular of the Ministry of War, the filter was stored inside without a tin container. In fact, a new system was introduced that allowed the filter to be sealed from outside air by means of a cap screwed onto its threaded portion, and a cardboard disc placed on its filtering grid.

MANUFACTURERS

Only a few are known to date. The manufacturer's name, when visible, is printed in ink on the inside.

WEARING METHOD

It was adopted with the same circular of the Ministry of War (KM, Allg.Kriegs.Dep.n.2852/ 5.17, 6.6.1917) that introduced the new Ledermaske (leather gas mask), to be used as a container for the replacement filter. Officially, it was to be kept suspended from the soldier's belt by means of a loop fastened with a button, but in everyday use by soldiers it was also kept suspended from the gas mask container or cartridge boxes.