![]() ![]() The clip-on extension to the canister was introduced in May 1918, and used initially by assault troops to combat British Stannic Chloride and German 'Blue Cross' (Diphenylchloroarsine) 'smoke' gasses, whose small, inert particles were penetrating German masks. The positioning of the eyepieces made it hard to aim a rifle while wearing the mask. It was also stiff, chafed the wearer, and was difficult to fit snugly. The leather had an unpleasant smell, and was very slow to dry if wet. Because no expiration valve was provided, used air had to be exhaled through the filter canister, greatly increasing the volume of moisture absorbed, and reducing the effective life of the canister to half an hour or less in heavy concentrations of gas. ![]() It suffered, however, from many of the drawbacks inherent in earlier German designs. The new mask was ingenious, utilising metal springs instead of elastic in the head straps, and incorporating a system of replaceable gelatine-coated celluloid eyepieces to combat the fogging which plagued most respirators of the period. It was intended to address the acute shortage of raw materials (particularly rubber) in Germany, by using available supplies of leather and a minimum of metal parts. The 'Lederschutzmaske' was introduced into German Army service in late 1917. Clipped on to the bottom of the canister is a removable steel extension piece which contains a disk of white filter paper backed with steel mesh. On the bottom of the canister are the remnants of a waxed paper covering to prevent chemicals or moisture from entering, and which would have been torn off prior to use. The top of the canister has the raised marking 'P4', the number '91' in red and 'B 10. The respirator canister, which is also made of green painted steel, screws into the faceplate, using a standard thread pattern mass produced by 'Osram' for use on light bulbs and fittings. A twisted paper cord passes through a loop on the front of the plate, extends up between the eyepieces, and attaches to a metal button on the headstraps. The number '175' is also stamped in red on this plate. ![]() A green painted circular steel plate with a threaded socket and the raised marking 'A1' is let into the mask opposite the wearer's nose and mouth. There are a number of illegible stamped markings on the headstraps and inside the mask. ![]() A long grey cotton webbing strap attached near the chin enables the mask to be suspended around the neck. Grey cotton headstraps (one above and below the ear on each side, and one above each eye) are held tightly upon the face by coiled springs inside cotton sleeves. Internally, the eyepieces have removable metal 'wheels' enabling the inner layer (which is coated with gelatine to absorb moisture) to be replaced. The eyepieces are made of two layers of clear celluloid set in painted circular steel frames with leather gaskets where they are let into the mask. This seam, and the folded edge of the mask, are coated with a black sealant lacquer. The mask is made from a single piece of chrome-tanned sheepskin dipped in an oil sealant solution, the black tanned surface towards the wearer's face, and the single seam running under the chin. The item's name is a pun based off of Mad Max, the main protagonist of the Mad Max series.German Army Lederschutzmaske (Leather protection mask) respirator.This item is based off the mask worn by Lord Humungus, the main antagonist of Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior.The Color of a Gentlemann's Business Pants Mouseover cells to preview the images on a dark background. ![]()
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