Jon Smith Modellbau - German Gas Mask M.17 Set

Jon Smith Modellbau - German Gas Mask M.17 Set

120mm Resin Cast.

Kit requires assembly and painting.

Gas Mask M. 17: Ledermaske (Gasmaske M.17). The replacement mask for the Gasmaske M. 15 (Linienmaske), made out of sheep leather and impregnated with special gas proofing oils. The mask incorporated only 3 seams in the material, an overall improvement from the M.15 mask reducing the risk of leakage. The fixed celluloid glass eye pieces were coated with gelatine on the inside to avoid misting up, which in turn was protected by a metal Spinne, or spider metal frame to also avoid scratching / smearing - these could be removed for cleaning etc. Apart from the new cone appearance, the important difference over the previous mask was the position of the eyepieces. These were set at an angle with a larger gap in between, avoiding earlier blind spots each side of the head. The protruding metal rings on the outside of the eyepieces protected the glass from scratches. The first part of the straps were part rubberised (reinforced with wire), part cloth. The cord on the front of the mask could be shortened, lifting the filter thus enabling a better vision for the wearer - this was optional and left for the individual to decide. The filter can after the excess resin / casting-canal are removed be screwed onto the mask just like on the original. The position of the straps around the side and rear of head have been copied from a collector wearing an original mask, as few original photos exist where no headdress is worn. Colour: original masks differ in colour from light to dark leather. The outer seal (nearest to face) appears always darker. Metal eye rings - matt silver. Filter and filter/fitting - grey-green.

Also supplied are the 3 sets computer cut eyepieces in 0.25 mm plexi glass. These are to be inserted to the inside of the masks before fixing to the face

Canvas Gas Mask Holder: Segeltuchtasche für Gasmaske. In 1915 a canvas gas mask holder was issued with 2 dividing walls, which stowed the mask, together with the filter and reserve-filter in a metal tin. The holder was generally worn either attached to the belt below the rucksack at the rear, or on the right side/front by means of 2 belt loops, fastened with zinc buttons. Later versions of the holder had ring attachments on each of the belt loops enabling the fixing to the bread bag.  Although, generally used in the early part of the war, late war photos still show troops issued with this holder. The No. 2 at one end of the holder is the gas mask size and this has been modelled slightly raised to enable easier painting. On the model, part of the flap has lifted to reveal one side of the metal tin containing the spare filter. Colour: canvas holder - grey- brown, number - dark coloured stamp colour - could have been black (on the original items these numbers are quite faded), filter tin - grey-green.

Gas Mask Container: Gasmaske M1917. The gas mask was kept in a metal container, which had a brown cloth strap. Troops serving in the frontline area often wore it in the alert position in front of the chest. There was no room for the reserve filter in the container. Through constant use the containers became dented. Colour: grey.

Steel Helmet: Stahlhelm M.16. This helmet, which first entered service in 1916 was designed by Professor Friedrich Schwerd and made from high quality chrome-nickel steel. Weighing between 950 and 1200g, depending on size - more heavier than the Allied helmets, but giving a better protection to the face, ears and neck. The horn venting bolts on each side enabled the fitting of an extra armoured shield over the helmet (also available in 1:15^th, 120mm from JSM, winter 2008) for sentries, snipers or other more dangerous employment. This weighing around 2000g was seldom used; although a total of 50 000 were produced.  Colour: the helmet was issued in field- grey, but was sometimes repainted at the front with a four- colour camouflage scheme - red- brown, ochre (brownish- yellow), green and blue- grey. Some helmets had these patterns also outlined in black. Helmets were also covered using the light brown sandbag material, or the issued helmet-covers, seen particularly in the later war period.

The M.17 & 18 helmets followed with only slight differences to the inside and chin strap fasteners. The last model to see service during the war, if only in small numbers was the M.18 Ohrenausschnitt, or Helmet with ear cut-outs (also available in 1:15^th, 120mm from JSM, winter 2008), more commonly (and stubbornly) known as the Cavalry or Telegraph Helmet. In fact the cut-outs were a further design feature of the M.18 to improve the hearing ability of the wearer.

Note: The rim and underneath edge of the helmet can be thinned out, giving a more realistic appearance of the original item - for casting reasons this has to be thicker. The brown card supplied can be used to represent leather or material chin straps etc. Cut the card approx. 1.2mm wide and 22 mm long and flatten or rub down on a hard surface with a blunt tool (handle of a modelling knife is ideal). Bend the strip around a pencil to give a natural curve and glue into position on the figure. The colour, thickness and texture achieved from rubbing down the card gives a good reproduction of leather in this scale.