Images(16)

Apparatus, breathing

Object number2014.69.1 a-n

Manufacturer Mine Safety Appliances Company

Manufacturer Stanley

Patented by George McCaa

Datec. 1927

OriginPittsburgh, PA

MediumMetal; Fabric; Leather; Rubber; Wood; Paint

Credit LineGift of Mine Safety Appliances Company

DescriptionBreathing apparatus consisting of a tank, a mask, a screwdriver, a pin spanner wrench, a wrench, a pin spanner wrench, two brushes, a spare oxygen tank, a funnel, a replacement seals on cord, a wrench, a red case, and a spare bolt cover.Dimensions(a) Height 23.5, Width 16, Depth 31 (approximate);
(b) Height 5, Width 10 (approximate), Length 22 (approximate);
(c) Length 7.438, Width 1, Depth 1;
(d) Length 3.125, Width 4, Depth 0.563;
(e) Length 8.5, Width 2.25, Depth 0.313;
(f) Length 5.5, Width 0.5, Depth 0.5;
(g) Length 13.5, Width 1.5, Depth 1.5;
(h) Length 11, Width 1.875, Depth 1;
(i) Height 16.75, Width 4.75, Depth 4;
(j) Height 4.25, Width 6.375, Depth 5.875;
(k) Length 10.25 (approximate), Width 1.813, Depth 0.25;
(l) Length 5.625, Width 1.688, Depth 0.25;
(m) Height 26.563, Width 20.375, Depth 16.375;
(n) Length 1.125, Width 1.25, Depth 0.563.
Inscriptions(a)
Text on interior side of case in bottom right quadrant above top hose "INHALATION" and below bottom hose "EXHALATION".

(b)
Metal canister has text on has stamped text on inside "BACK OF NECK", "USE UNDER SKULLGARD", and "FRONT / TOP OF HEAD".
Marks(a)
Atmospheres gauge has text "ATMOSPHERES / USE NO OIL USE NO OIL / MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES CO. / PITTSBURGH, PA. / MADE IN U S A / US / GAUGE CO / NY / PATENTED JULY 25 1916".

Black metal plate with gold details at top center of case exterior "PERMISSIBLE / MINE-RESCUE / BREATHING APPARATUS / [Department of Commerce, Bureau of Mines seal] / APPROVAL NO. 1303 / Issued for safety and practicability / and efficiency in general service / to the / MINE SAFETY / APPLIANCES COMPANY / PITTSBURGH, PA., U.S.A."

Raised text at bottom center of case exterior "McCaa".

Text on interior side of case in top right quadrant "2684", "2", and "2".

(c)
Wood handle has gold text "STANLEY".

Metal guard at top of handle has inscribed maker's mark "STANLEY / MADE IN USA."

(e)
Inscribed text on one side: near smaller end "1361", at center of shaft "SPECIAL", and maker's mark near larger end "BILLINGS / MADE [B in triangle] U.S.A."

(g)
Inscribed maker's mark on handle in black ink "50012 MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES CO."

(h)
Black ink stamped maker's mark on handle "MINE SAFETY APPLIANCE COMPANY / [illegible] NORTH BRADDOCK AVE / PITTSBURGH, PA".

(i)
Two areas of inscribed text on the shoulder of the tank "MSA CO / 5-37 / 9 56" and "ICC-3A2250 / 9469".

One of the bolt covers at top has inscribed text on face "MSA".

(l)
Inscribed text on one side: near smaller end "1329", at center of shaft "SPECIAL", and maker's mark near larger end "BILLINGS / MADE [B in triangle] U.S.A."

(m)
Top has painted black text "McCAA / 2. HR. / APPARATUS".

(n)
Inscribed maker's mark on face "MSA".
Historical NotesMcCaa breathing apparatus made by Mine Safety Appliances Company.Label TextAccording to the patent description, George McCaa hoped his invention would provide rescuers with a device of “simple and practical construction” that was “compact in form and convenient to operate.” In conjunction with Mine Safety Appliances Company, McCaa received a patent for this innovative breathing device in 1927. Named for its inventor, the McCaa Apparatus provided fresh air to rescuers who went into mines in search of survivors. The apparatus worked by removing carbon dioxide and moisture from the exhaled air and then automatically “regenerating” that air by cooling it and adding regulated quantities of oxygen. Manufactured by Mine Safety Appliances Company, the McCaa Breathing Apparatus became one of the most important tools of mine rescue teams worldwide. It replaced an earlier breathing apparatus also manufactured by MSA—the Gibbs model from 1917.

Related institution United States Bureau of Mines

Related institution United States Department of Commerce

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