I’ve been a long time reader of the forums but have just recently made an account here. I’ve been a collector of gas masks for about 8 years now and I’m completely stumped on this mask.

A little background:

I received this mask a couple of years ago from a collector by the name of Viktor Ferrando. I was told at the time that the mask was a WWI Italian Tampone prototype. However, after receiving it and talking with a couple of other collectors we’ve come to the conclusion that it is not a Tampone prototype. The hardware is too complicated to be a WWI prototype and the mask does not make a seal around the face at all. The mask does not have any markings, and looks like it was modified over time (Some buttons with "combi" can be seen at the bottom. The carrier is stamped 1916 but I have no idea if it is the original container.

I’m completely confused as to its origin or purpose. If anyone has any information on this it would be much appreciated.

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