Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object ID |
2014.43.1 |
Object Name |
Mask, Gas |
Description |
A gas mask from WW1 contained in a canvas sack. The mask consists of a filter unit that contained activated charcoal to absorb the gas. This was worn around the chest in the sack. A hose attached the filter to the mask. There was a valve near the mouth so speech could be heard Large eyepiece and adjustable straps around the head and neck. There are two names on the sack: One of the man it was issued to: A. Lechter, and the other of the man who came home with it, John W. Andrus, a resident of Washington, Connecticut. The inside flap bears the stencil "S-18-17" and "760862". From the Mask's Instructions booklet: "Correct Use of Gas Mask Equipment [Brackets are placeholders for Illegible text] "A.Carry haversack on left side with sling on right shoulder and flap next the body. Adjust for carrying with buckle on left side. Do not use buckle on right side of haversack for carrying adjustment. "B. [1. ] for alert position raise haversack on chest, [ ]gage fastener adjusting for correct height with buckle on right side only. "[2. ] cord out of knapsack, pass [ through? ] hand ring on bottom of haversack around body and tie firmly to ring on the side. "3. Jerk flap open but keep folded against body to keep out dampness. "(Continued on Back Cover) "(Continued from Front Cover) "C. 1. When alarm sounds, take mask out of haversack, grasp with both hands, the thumbs pointing upwards under elastic, push chin well into mask, pull elastic over head as far as possible. "2. [ ] rubber mouthpiece into mouth, [ ] with teeth placing lips over the rubber [ ]nge. "3. [ ] nose clip to close [ ] by pushing circular [ ] from outside of mask. "4. [If necessary to speak] first breathe in deeply and remove mouthpiece but not nose clip. Replace immediately. "5. After use, dry mouthpiece and eyerims from inside, rub eyepieces with anti-dimming compound, make entry on record, replace in haversack." #### About John William Andrus: From Draft Registration Card of John William Andrus of Washington, Connecticut (in Connecticut State Library collection hosted by Ancestry): Text on 1917 Draft Registration Card 232 No 83; John William Andrus, age 22, home address Washington Depot, Conn., born Mar 18, 1895, natural born citizen born in Washington, Conn. occupation: farming; employer: E.H. Van Ingen, Washington; no dependents, single, caucassian; no [prior] military service; no claimed exemption from draft. Draftee’s signature: John W. Andrus. Registrar’s Report 6123A Andrus is "short" and of "medium" build; eyes: blue; hair: black. Washington, Conn. Jun 6, 1917 DRC signed by Dallas J. Wyant #### |
Search Terms |
Military WWI |
Image |
020\2014431.JPG |
Title |
WWI Gas Mask |