Microphone, Respirator No. 1

[David Dunlop]

Thought I would post some images of one of these items, in case some of you out there were not aware of them.

This one is an NOS Canadian one, and from what I can find on the web, a No. 2 version was also produced and they seem to be capable of being fitted to more than one type of World War 2 Respirator. The microphone case is black bakelite (the brown tone is just incandescent light glare. The conical back of the case has the 'GE' logo cast into the end of the cone. The cable and No. 10 plug assembly has a yellow tag on it with red printing: Northern Electric Company Limited, POS 4115 CORD, MADE IN CANADA, PATENTED 1929

The face of the microphone case has a black 'C-Broad Arrow' stamp on it, along with a yellow circular stamp with some hard to read markings inside.

From what I can tell, this microphone is an open mic design. Once plugged in, it is always on. There is no press to talk switch on it at all. This would appear to limit the wireless equipment it could be used with, and finding that info on line is a bit of a challenge. If any one knows what Wireless Sets this mic was issued for, please let us know.

David

[Chris Suslowicz]

Standard for the Wireless Set No.18 and similar. The operator puts his respirator on, plugs the mike in, but continues to control the transmit/receive with the hand microphone (since that switches the valve filament supply). The microphones are connected in parallel on most sets, with the possible exception of the WS18 Mk.IIIT

The other respirator microphone is for switchboard and similar applications (some remote control units, perhaps), and has a two pin plug moulded into the unit which matches the "Transmitter, Breast" connection. In use, you unplug the harness cable from the breast set and fit it to the respirator microphone.

The inserts are identical for both respirator microphones, and are a gas-tight version of the standard telephone/hand microphone insert. A rubber sealing ring is supplied with them to ensure an airtight seal between the front of the insert and the front portion of the housing that connects to the facepiece.

Chris.

***** Important Warning from the Elves who drink Safe Tea *****

Do Not, under any circumstances, put on any respirator made prior to approximately 1956.
Everything before that time used asbestos in the filter elements. The "Service" respirator with hose and flattened canister contains crocidolite (Blue Asbestos). The "Civilian Duty" (ARP and switchboard operators, etc.) and civilian respirators with the round canisters (no hose) contain chrysotile (white asbestos), and the upgrade "green can" Contex filter that can be fitted to the front of those (intended to protect against Arsine) also contains blue asbestos. Modern respirator filters are made from spun glass fibres and are fairly safe.

[Dean (Ajax)]

I have about 30 of those mics, yesterday I bought the proper Canadian Gas Mask with the mic installed

Dean

[B. Harris]

Dean, hey man post some pics please and thanks!
I've never seen a complete one!

Thanks again,
Cheers,
Bruce

[Dean (Ajax)]

Bruce I do not know how to post photos here, send me an email and I will send you photos of the proper gas mask with this mic installed, and you can post them.

Dean

[B. Harris]

Thanks to Dean for forwarding the pics of this rare gem. You never cease to amaze me with the "finds"
Lots of mics around but few masks!

Perhaps Simundson will part with some masks when he close his Beanery!

Harris