WWI AEF Used British 1st Pattern SBR Gas Mask, Flexible! IDd to Field Artillery

Description

These British SBRs rarely turn up here in the states, and when they do they usually have an American's name stenciled or marked on them.  Such is the case with this one, which has the name A G Taylor stenciled on the front of the carrier.  Taylor was a PFC in the 125th Field Artillery which went over with the 34th Division at the end of the war.  As was common practice for the Depot Divisions once they arrived in France, the Artillery Brigade was detached and assigned to a Corps or Army and remained whole for it's duration in France.  In this case, the 59th Artillery Brigade was attached to VIII Corps of the 2nd Army.  Since the 34th
didn't
arrive in France until the end of September, it's probable that the 125th
didn't
make it to the front until the very end of October.  If anything Taylor saw the last few weeks of a (by that point) quite mobile war.
The mask canister has rusted through on one side fairly high on the can, which has allowed for the contents to spill out.  Undoubtedly it got wet at some point in the last hundred years. The thoughtful previous collector bagged and zip tied the canister to preserve both it and the carrier.  It's pretty neat that you can actually see the canister contents and insides to some extent. The rust on the canister did how ever eat through the carrier on both sides, though the carrier is structurally sound and shouldn't deteriorate further.  Carrier is nicely maker marked and dated 1917 inside the flap.  Taylor's name is stenciled on the front, as well as faintly penned at the bottom of the carrier.  There is also a hole and some wear to the strap as seen, but it is also structurally sound.  Leather tab on the side is in good condition.
The mask itself is of course the real gem, as it is the first pattern mask with the very scarce flutter valve guard.  These were omitted from production as it ramped up, and as such are only found on masks produced in the winter of 1916 into early 1917. Note it is shaped differently than what's seen on US SBRs.
Mask is quite flexible, and could be displayed open if so desired.  I note no significant flaking to the rubber or holes, and it can be easily examined and manipulated without fear of future damage.  The gauze covered nose clip opens and closes as it should.  The mouthpiece is hardened and covered in a crystalline powder.  Amber colored lenses are clear with no damage. The head strap has separated on the wearer's left side, but could be carefully tacked back into place should you so desire.  Mask is marked size 2, with a name penned on the front.  There are also some pen marked numbers on the inside edge of the mask - not sure if they belong to Taylor or perhaps someone who had the mask before him.  Flutter valve is of course long gone, as they almost always are.
Hose is quite flexible, moreso than any US mask I've handled.  No condition issues. It does appear that the twine or shoelace used to wear the mask at the alert position is missing/cut off.  There is also no dimming kit or repair kit in the carrier.  Bottom of the canister side does have the medal wire used to support the canister.
Due to the scarcity of these first pattern masks I'm starting this one somewhat high.  If you have a nice unmarked mask carrier with a crispy mask, here's your opportunity to swap masks and have a presentable first pattern British SBR.