WW2 US M2A1 Gas mask with 'Prescription' glasses

[Grimebox]

I bought this several years ago, the Gas mask and bag are in excellent condition except for a couple of rust marks. Within the gas mask (set in the eyepieces) were the 'prescription' glasses (my vision is fine so I don't know if they are for long sighted or short sighted!! Either way they are not very 'strong'). I cannot find a lot about them so I guess they are quite a rare bit of kit.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Nice bonus find and a seldom seen bit of kit.

Cheers, Ade.

[NCA]

Odd shaped bag...looks to have been cut down and re-sewn.What shape is the filter?

[Adrian Stevenson]

The bag is indeed cut down. It is the older, pre war respirator bag and many of these got cut down for re-use after the introduction of the smaller more compact lightweight respirator in 1943.

Cheers, Ade.

[Grimebox]

Whilst digging out some other bits and pieces I found the gas mask and bag, as it appears to be a little bit unusual (the bag at least) I though I'd post some better pictures. What I didn't realise is that the gas mask canister is held in place inside the bag with webbing straps and a popper.