The Protiplynová Ochranná Maska Vzor 23 (Antigas protective mask Model of 1923) is a gas mask developed and produced by Horák/Titán Praha a.s. from 1923 to 1927. It was inspired by the french A.R.S., as that was the most common mask in Czechoslovakia between 1919 and 1923. The mask came in sizes 1, 2 and 3 (3 being the smallest size). In 1924, the state started allowing other civilian manufacturers to make the mask, and, in 1925, they did the same with filters.
Overview[]
It was made of double-layered, rubberized, impregnated canvas. The outer layer is made out of khaki-colored cotton which has been rubberized from one side. The inner layer was also made out of cotton, impregnated against blistering agents. The eyepieces are made out of cellophane (newer model) or celon (older model), and are stamped into the facepiece itself. They have an aluminium rim, which has a paper and a rubber ring glued in for better protection of the user. Inside the facepiece, there's a seal made out of rubberized fabric. The valve assembly is made out of metal, and utilizes the Bunsen exhale valve system. The mask, even though replaced by the Vz.27 in 1927, was kept in service until the end of the war as a training mask.
Kit[]
The mask came with the Vz.23 filter, and the Vz.23 container. The container resembles the GM17 canister, has a single carrier strap, gray in color, and closed via a wire latch.
