British WWI The Allenbury Gas Face Mask

A rare surviving example of the Allenbury patent gas face mask, produced by Allen & Hanbury in May 1915 as one of the British Army’s early experimental responses to gas warfare. The mica eye-slit remains remarkably well-preserved, still clear with only light creasing and no fractures. The elasticated edging is intact for a close facial fit, with its black neck tie present. Some age-related discolouration is visible, including a small patch of darkened lacquer.

This example was discovered in 1989 by an experienced collector who contacted the Imperial War Museum for reference. The IWM confirmed they did not possess a surviving mask but supplied period photographs of the model in use, which accompany this piece. Further details and images of this scarce pattern can be found in Campaign 15 (pages 145–146), published by Military Mode.

Ref; 95444 XAC