A Set of German Tropical Spare Gas Mask Lenses (Gasmaske Klarscheiben)

Medal case stamped in raised lettering "Klarscheibenbüchse / (Tp) / hrr / 1942" on the lid, each of the unopened 59 mm lenses are enclosed in a plastic cover and inserted into its own glassine envelope marked "Klarscheibe so einlegen, dass Aufdruck "Innenseite" vom Innern der Maske lesbar ist.", the case with the original black sealing tape present, measuring 65 mm x 65 mm x 10 mm and exhibiting oxidation on the inside lid. Extremely fine. Footnote: The development of poisonous gasses used as offensive weapons in the First World War necessitated the development of defensive gas masks and accessories. The German First War M1915 and M1917 gas masks evolved into the Reichswehr era M24 gas mask and eventually into the M30 and M38 gas masks used in the Second World War. All German Army personnel were issued with a gas mask, carrying canister and accessories and were required to have it readily available at all times. Although the use of chemical warfare agents was considered by the German OKW, (High Command of the Armed Forces), fear of the Allies retribution forced them to reconsider and shelf the idea. Fear of the potential use of chemical warfare agents made the gas mask and canister a constant companion of the German soldier throughout the war. Both the Second War M30 and the M38 gas masks were issued in a cylindrical, corrugated, sheet metal canister that came equipped with two pair of spare gas mask lenses. Regulations of 1942 increased the issue of the spare gas mask lenses to four pair.