Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very good M38 German Gas Mask with many different makers markings. This example is complete with an original Filter and Carrying can, all with WWII Dates and markings. The filter is an FE41.

The canister is in great shape and retains all of its original straps, very rare to see! The latch is also an actual latch and not the elastic style pulley type. The spare lens compartment still retains a lens, and the lid is stamped with year of manufacture 1936 and Waffenamt stamp Wa.A. 62.

The snout of the mask is painted 58, and the side is marked with 40 in a circle and an N in a triangle. The interior of the mask shows a maker mark, C, next to the date, 40, for 1940.

The filter is marked Fe 41 and bwz, for manufacture by Auer-Gesellschaft AG, Werk Oranienburg outside of Berlin. This was one of the factories that Auer operated.

The mask itself is marked Size 2 on the front. German WWII Gas masks came in 3 sizes, this example is a size 2 (Medium), which was usually indicated by a number printed on the front of the mask between the eye pieces. The large size masks were designated with \”1\” and the small size is \”3\”, which is a bit counter intuitive.

The model M38 was first issued to troops in 1938, replacing the earlier M30, made of rubberized canvas and rubber. The 38 body is made completely of rubber, ensuring a great seal, and less issues with degradation in service. The spring-loaded straps fit over the head and were tightened by means of sliding the web straps through metal buckles until the mask was as tight as the user could stand it – ensuring a good air tight seal. Another strap would be placed around the user\’s neck and if the mask was not in use it would rest on the chest should they need it in a hurry.

The metal alloy eye socket frames on this early issue M38 are painted green, and are the early non-magnetic type. In 1943, due to material shortages, gas masks were made with steel fittings, and had blue painted fittings to indicate that they were \”magnetical\”.

Overall, a really nice military issue German WWII Gas mask.

Ready to add to your collection and display!