WW1 US Respirator & Haversack

A scarce 1917 pattern First World War US soldiers 'ASBR' gas mask or American Small Box Respirator complete with 1917 dated haversack .
Americas late entry into the war required a wide issue of equipment to her troops including the threat of gas attack having to be considered. This was a copy of the British Box Respirator & is very similar in appearance.
Facepiece is of rubberised fabric & now very flaky & brittle so it could not be put on a head for display or indeed manipulated from the position it is in now. Hosepipe has remained relatively soft .
Carrying haversack is in very good condition with maker mark & date ' SIMMONS 1917' to underside of flap. There are faint traces of a name & other writing to haversack.
Overall a scarce piece of WW1 US Doughboy equipment.

Code: 11510