German Gas Mask Tin M1916 – Dt. Bereitschaftsbüchse M1916
- Scale / Maßstab: 1:10
- Approx. height of tin / ca. Höhe Büchse: 17mm
- Material: Resin
- Parts / Teile: 1
- Infosheet / Infoblatt: English
- Code: BS04
Contents Spare Part / Inhalt Ersatzteil:
- Gas Mask Tin M1916 – Dt. Bereitschaftsbüchse M1916
Gas Mask Tin M16 / Bereitschaftsbüchse M16: At the beginning of 1915, the early type gas masks were issued without any form of container or holder and were often placed within the haversack (bread bag) or in some cases kept in tins, which were fastened by string around the soldier’s neck. Later in 1915, the Canvas Gas Mask Holder, with dividing sections within was issued – Segeltuchtasche für Gasmaske M1915 – here the mask, filter unit and spare filter were kept in tins within and still had to be opened and attached when required. The holder was officially worn on the left side of belt, but is quite often seen at rear, next to the haversack.
In March 1916, the German War Ministry announced the distribution of a Gas Mask Tin, which held the ready for use mask with filter unit already attached. Until the issuing in sufficient numbers, the troops had to do with tins of different manufactures, including the existing canvas holders being modified to carry the mask with filter unit attached.
In June 1916 the Gas Mask Tin M16 / Bereitschaftsbüchse M16 was issued, together with a leather strap, later made from canvas for attachment around the neck. The bottom tin attachment loop could also be attached to a front tunic button, holding the tin in the standby position. If not in this position, the gas tin was kept as before within the canvas holder or slung around the back. Within the tin, the mask could be kept with filter unit attached and ready for use. The gas tins were used until the end of the war, but parallel the new and slightly higher M17 tins were being issued from mid-1917.
Colour: original items show a diversity of colours used on these tins, ranging from field-grey to dark or Khaki-green.
Notes from Sculptor
On the model there is a seam running from top to bottom on the side of tin – this is the overlap join when the can was manufactured, distinctive on the original items. The area behind the 3 strap attachments has been filled out slightly for casting reasons – this can be removed if required.