Gas mask

Object/Artifact

Historical Collection at the George Hail Free Library

Gas Mask

Name/Title

Gas mask

Entry/Object ID

2026.03.12.21

Description

vintage World War I era gas mask, commonly referred to as a "Small Box Respirator"

Use

These masks protected soldiers against lethal gases like chlorine and phosgene, which were commonly delivered by the Germans. American Can Company, often marked as "CANCO", was a major manufacturer of metal canisters for gas masks issued to American soldiers. These canisters were essential protective gear, specifically used with the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) from roughly 1917–1918.

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Label

Location

Front of gas mask

Transcription

156T 35

Type

Label

Location

Canister

Transcription

169XH. [Canco]

Lexicon

Nomenclature 4.0

Nomenclature Secondary Object Term

Backpack

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Mask, Gas

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Bag, Carrying

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Canister

Nomenclature Sub-Class

Protective Devices

Nomenclature Sub-Class

Personal Carrying & Storage Gear

Nomenclature Class

Regulative & Protective T&E

Nomenclature Class

Personal Gear

Nomenclature Class

Containers

Nomenclature Category

Category 05: Tools & Equipment for Science & Technology

Nomenclature Category

Category 03: Personal Objects

Nomenclature Category

Category 07: Distribution & Transportation Objects

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Cannister

Height

5-1/2 in

Width

4-3/4 in

Depth

2-3/4 in

Dimension Description

Haversack knapsack

Height

8-3/4 in

Width

9-3/4 in

Depth

2-1/2 in

Dimension Description

Envelope with instructions

Width

3 in

Length

3-7/8 in

Diameter

1/16 in

Dimension Description

Anti dimming composition can

Length

3-1/4 in

Diameter

1-1/4 in

Material

Metal, canvas, Glass, Paper

Color

Yellow, Green, Tan, Olive

Location

Box

Box 53

Cabinet

Display Case 2

Room

Charles Whipple Greene Historical Collection

Building

George Hail Free Library

Date

March 12, 2026

Create Date

March 12, 2026

Update Date

July 8, 2026