Gasmask lenses colour

[RexPolyglotus]

If you look at modern examples of World War One gas masks, the lenses are often a yellow or orange colour. This is especially noticable for German gas masks, but not exclusively. Were they originally tinted or have they simply changed colour over time?

[Spaceman]

The German ones in particular were made from celluloid or a sandwich of celluloid and cellulose acetate. Cellulose does have a tendency to turn yellow over time in the same way as old paper does as it ages. 

[Chasemuseum]

With German masks, the m17 Ledermaske incorporated some elaborate design features to accommodate the shortages of silk and rubber. 

Condensation on the inside of the lenses was a serious problem. This was managed with removable cellulose  disks that were fitted inside the mask. These absorbed moisture, and after use could be replaced using spares from the pocket in the lid of the gas mask can. The damp disks could be dried out in sunlight and reused.

 

These disks had a slightly yellow/buff/beige colour when they were new. When you pick up a 100-year-old gas mask now, if these are still in place, they have frequently degraded to a deep red/yellow. 

[battle of loos]

good morning,

here is 2  German gaz mask :

Gummimaske 1916 :

Lederschutzmaske 1917 :

spare seal found in the field (hill 70 - Bois Hugo) :

michel