*British, WWII - Dated April 1941, GSR Gas Mask Filter No.4A by Barringer Wallis & Manners, with Hose*
An original Second World War British General Service Respirator (GSR) filter canister, retaining part of its original flexible hose and fittings. This is the No.4A pattern filter, finished in red painted steel, with ribbed body and oval base, as issued to British and Commonwealth forces during the early war period.
The canister remains fitted with its original woven fabric-covered rubber hose, secured by the factory neck banding, a feature often missing or degraded on surviving examples. The exterior shows clear service wear, with remnants of grey overpaint and field grime, giving it a strong “as found” appearance.
Stamped to the top and base with clear wartime production details:
Date: 4 / 41 (April 1941)
BARRINGER WALLIS & MANNERS LTD – MAKERS - MANSFIELD
Broad Arrow (War Department property mark)
To the base:
No. 4A (filter type designation)
B.W. & M. Ltd / 1941 (base stamping)
Approx. Measurements – Height: 14.2 cm. Width: 12 cm. Depth: 7.5 cm.
History Note:The No.4A filter formed part of the standard British General Service Respirator system, widely issued from the late 1930s through the height of the Blitz and into the mid-war period. Manufacturers such as Barringer, Wallis & Manners Ltd of Mansfield—better known pre-war for decorative tins—were heavily involved in mass-producing essential war matériel.
These filters were designed to protect against a range of chemical agents and were used by both military personnel and civil defence units. Dated examples from 1941 represent peak wartime production during Britain’s most critical defensive phase.
*Condition*
A well-used but solid example. The painted finish shows notable wear, overpaint, and ingrained dirt consistent with service or storage conditions. The hose remains attached but is fragile, stiff, and degraded in places, with visible fraying and splitting to the end section. Surface corrosion and paint loss present throughout. No attempt has been made to clean or restore. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ#3057B0_1284238077
