Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The Gas Mask Wz.24 popularly known as R.S.C. from the first letters of the names of the three manufacturers, Robert, Saunier and Cantot. It was the first gas mask produced in Poland during the interwar period under French license, modeled on the A.R.S. mask. These masks were produced in the Military Gas Equipment Factory in Radom. During the interwar period until 1939, this mask, apart from the wz. 32 mask, was the basic anti-chemical protection measure used by Polish Military units.
The Wz.24 consists of a face part with a harness and a filter. The set also includes the 9 ½”tall cylindrical can for carrying the mask, filter and spare lenses. The facial area is anatomically shaped and made of two layers. The outer layer is a cotton fabric attached on the inside of a protective color. Eyeglass lenses are made in two variants - glass or celluloid (hydrocellulose, cellophane) with this example being celluloid. They are framed with aluminum rings. These rings, in turn, are attached to a rubber frame glued between both layers of the facepiece and additionally stitched. The headband of the mask is made of elastic bands (two frontal, two parietal, occipital and clasp). In addition, the mask is equipped with an inelastic strap that allows it to be hung around the neck during a gas emergency.
The mask itself is not dated but the filter has a 1935 date stamped on the top. Unfortunately, the mask has been stored inside of the canister probably since the start of WWII and is now quite stiff. We did not try to loosen up the material due to risk damaging the mask. There are multiple other Polish arsenal markings that we can see but cannot read. One of the eye cups is completely separated from the mask.
The top lid of the canister has a purple date stamp of 1937 at the top of the instruction label. The label is complete and legible, but there are small areas where the font is worn away or stained.
This is truly a wonderful example of a Pre-War Polish Wz. 24 Gas Mask. Comes more than ready for further research and display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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