Civilian Respirator in unusual metal case

1937 dated Civilian Respirator in a very unusual steel carrying case.

Realising that a war with Germany was now highly likely the British Government began preparing, including manufacturing respirators for every civilian. The filters were expected to have a life of one year. The masks were issued in large quantities during the Munich Crises of 1938. Prior to the outbreak of war a new gas was identified as having been produced in Germany which the filters were not proof against and so 'Contex' filters were added to the front, most but not all were converted. Bearing in mind the anticipated life of the filters it has to be wondered how effective they would have been by 1940! As a matter of interest full issues of masks had not been made even by 1941, one council I researched in Bedfordshire was still waiting for babies respirators......

This mask has the contex fitted and the rubber is still supple, the container is named to 'Hagley, 85 Rochester Road, Gravesend, Kent DHW/16/Z' . I assume the last part is his/hers NI number.

WARNING: Respirators should NEVER be worn.