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Auer Gasjäckchen
Hello folks.
First 'new addition' post in a while. After a quiet collecting year, I decided to end on a high note and bought myself a little Christmas present. These are very hard to find in any condition, especially with all the associated bits and bobs (one dealer I know of is currently selling the hood alone for £225). I was very pleased to find an example that is not only complete, but in exceptional condition.
These Gasjäckchen were produced the Auer company -- also a manufacturer of military gas masks -- from 1940 onwards. This, along with a specialised anti-gas crib for infants, followed in the vein of the British anti-gas helmet for babies as a more reliable method of protecting very small children from the effects of gas attacks. The setup is very simple, comprising of a hood, filter, hose and bellows assembly. The filter is the standard type utilised in the VM (Volksgasmaske) series, allowing for ease of replacement.
Upon receiving one of these hoods, the new owners would be greeted with this:
An instruction manual, similar to the one issued with VM masks, explains the proper fitting and operation of the hood. I have refrained from assembling my own, as I do not wish to cause undue damage. I think the artists' illustrations here speak for themselves, and help to put it into context.
The hood itself is made of a rubberised fabric, with an oval celluloid window that allows the child to see out. They were manufactured in a standard size, with drawstrings around the cuffs and waist ensuring an airtight seal. There is a bakelite spout fitted to the front (later models of the Gasjäckchen have these fitted on the back) behind which is a threaded adapter for the filter. A warning above the spout reminds the parent to install the filter before use. The outlet valve, also made of bakelite, is visible above the celluloid window.
Next, the bellows assembly and hose. The bellows is comprised of pressed wood and a canvas-like material, with the Auer logo visible on top, and a small WaffenAmt marking on the bottom. It features a leather strap, allowing it to be carried over the parent's shoulder. The hose is of a segmented metal design, covered with white cloth. As can be seen here, these tend to suffer from issues with rust. Each end of the hose is fitted with a rubber nozzle. One is fitted to the spout on the bellows, the other to the hood. Air is pumped along the hose by the bellows, through the filter and into the hood, providing clean air to the child.
Finally the filter, in this case with its original cardboard storage fittings intact.
Anti-gas implements designed specifically for children have always fascinated me. They are a stark reminder of the non-discriminatory nature of war, and a testament to the great harm it causes to civilian populations. Thankfully, civilian gas masks in the Second World War proved to be unnecessary, though civilians the world over still suffered trauma of other kinds.
Regards, B.B.
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12-28-2020 11:57 AM
# ADS
Circuit advertisement
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by
TABSTABS1964
Amazing, BB
Santi
Many thanks!
B.B.
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How fascinating! I've obviously seen the british child & baby gasmasks & associated breathing apparatus but i've never seen the german equivalent. Learnt somthing new today! thanks Brodie
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Truly a great addition to your collection!
I can imagine these aren't the easiest to run across, especially a complete example like this.
Best Regards- Jarret
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Nice. Very nice.
I had the opportunity a few years back to pick one up but passed. While it was complete, the box was falling apart.
"Please", Thank You" and proper manners appreciated
My greatest fear is that one day I will die and my wife will sell my guns for what I told her I paid for them
"Don't tell me these are investments if you never intend to sell anything" (Quote: Wife)
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Great addition BB. Amazing condition to top it off. Thank you for sharing.
John
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