The Navy Type N-C Gas Mask, Model A-1, more commonly referred to as the NC-1, was manufactured and issued around 1941. The mask was issued to civilians working in US Navy facilities, such as shipyards.
Overview[]
The mask was manufactured by Mine Safety Appliances and is based on both the Comfo and the Kops Face Pieces used with the Burrell Gas Mask. The inlet valves are nearly identical in design to the Comfo. Similarly to other Kops-type masks, the NC-1 is not solidly molded and sports a chin seam which is sealed using some sort of rubber cement. The mask also uses an outer layer of stockinette for increased protection against blister agents, two bilateral filters, a flutter valve, and a celluloid plastic visor that extends across the entire facepiece. Near the point where the flutter valve is, a United States Navy symbol from the era surrounding the Second World War, an anchor, is found in red ink. Another stamp, a serial number, is found on the forehead of the mask's facepiece in yellow ink.
The mask was issued with a canvas haversack. On the flap is a serial number printed in yellow ink and two snap fasteners. A single brown strap is found on the haversack as well. The absence of a retaining strap ensures that the carrier flops about a lot but lowers the production cost marginally.
Navy Type N-C Gas Mask, Model A-1 (Defense Workers Get Gas Mask Training, Paramount News)
Responding to Common Myths[]
- The Model A-1 does not use the M12 filter designed for the M6-12-8. Instead, it uses a filter specifically designed for the A-1.
- While the Model A-1 does not use the same filter as the Comfo, it does have the same threading. Another difference lies in that the NC-1 takes male-threaded filters while the Comfo takes female-threaded filters.