These mittens would be used to handle machine gun barrels while changing from an overheated barrel for a new one during prolonged firing.

These particular ones were to be used with the American m1919a6 .30 caliber machine gun.

  • Dettweiler
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    149 months ago

    The danger comes more from inhalation of particles that break off. The asbestos fire gloves contain the asbestos laced fabric sheathed inside cloth material to help contain the particles. They’re also considered consumable, because handling something on fire will likely destroy the outer fabric (for example, a lithium battery powered device combusting, and placing it into a fire-safe bag).