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@lemmy.world
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    8 months ago

    Asbestos mittens are still a part of standard commercial aircraft emergency equipment, by the way.

    Saw a pilot put them on once during a walk-around on a particularly cold morning in CVG.

    • CptEnder@lemmy.world
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      8 months ago

      Hypothetically could you just wear latex under gloves and just be very careful about handling and cleaning yourself after use?

      • Dettweiler@lemmy.world
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        8 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).