Historical information

Appears to be a gas mask made in 1939 for protection against possible gas attack in World War II. Unknown provenance.

Willow, the manufacturer of the metal canister, is an Australian family owned and run business, since 1887 and based in Melbourne. From their website: "During the second World War the factories almost exclusively produced munitions, working two shifts. They mainly made mess tins, rocket cylinder covers, small arms ammunition boxes, gas mask respirator cylinders and soldier’s cake tins."

Significance

An example of war time equipment for personal protection.

Physical description

Rubber face mask with hose to a metal cannister.

Inscriptions & markings

On the base of the metal cannister: "No. 4A / Willow / 1939 / WAD 8".