The M.29 (1934 type) was a Pirelli designed mask adopted by the Belgian army.
Important note on the nomenclature: this mask has been and is still being commonly referred to as M.1934 among collectors. This designation is made-up. The real designation is still unknown. This article uses the M.29 designation, implying that these would be designated and used in the same way, but it is a mere assumption done solely to have a base to write on.
Mask overview[]
The M.29 (1934 type) faceblank was made of moulded beige rubber, textured on the outside and smooth on the inside. Inside the mask there was an internal divider made of synthetic sponge, which separated the faceblank in two parts, reducing dead space and helping to prevent fogging while wearing the mask.
The faceblank had the following parts attached:
- The head harness, with six elastic straps, adjustable from the pad
- Crimped eyepieces with triplex glass, 70mm wide (20mm wider than its predecessor)
- Inlet-outlet piece, with a tube for attaching the hose, an inlet valve over it and a flutter valve under it (the latter with a guard for protection)
- The corrugated hose, through which the mask would be connected to the filter, which was stored in the bag
Filter[]
The filter is a metal box stored in the satchel and connected to the mask by a hose. This kind of filter was quite small compared to previous Belgian issues, and it had two reinforcing rods inside to prevent it from opening. The lower cap was tied to the bag.
Kit[]
The mask comes with its filter in the M.29 (1934 type) issue satchel, which is identical to the previous M1931 bag, save for a reinforcing strap across the lower part and a hook on the other side to hang it from the belt. The exhale valve is covered by a small cloth to protect it from damage. Inside the bag, there was also a metal cylinder which contained a stick of anti-fogging soap.
Markings[]
On the left side of the M.29 (1934 type) there are the three markings, namely the company name or symbol, the size (in roman numbers) and sometimes the date. The two main manufacturers were Sacic and Bergougnan; the first of these marked the masks with its full name while Bergougnan's marking are two "B"s.
Use[]
Piled up Belgian gear seized by the German army
After the surrendering of the Belgian army to Germany, all the gear carried by the soldiers was piled up and given to the German army. Some of that gear was used, while some of it was destroyed, including a lot of M.29 gas mask. When the war ended, a lot of M.29 masks were available, but they were not enough to be supplied to the whole army, so the M51 was adopted to fill the gap and eventually replace the M.29.
Spanish Civil War use[]
main article: Spanish-issue Sacic gas masks
A number of modified M.29s (1934 type) were shipped to the Republican army during the Spanish Civil War. They would have the inlet-outlet assembly replaced with one akin to the AG 15, with a hose and rubber straps.
References[]
- http://users.skynet.be/flexaret/index.html?x=89&y=16
- http://www.gasmasklexikon.com/
- Alejandro Giner Vidal’s collection