Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent condition model M38 G-Maske or Gasschutzmaske (Gas protection mask), complete with an original Filter and Carrying can, all with WWII Dates and markings. It is named to a soldier, Obgfr. Schiller, on both the can and the mask neck strap. Also included are two full sets of replacement inner lenses.

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. 

Markings on these masks were put into the mold for the rubber body, with this example marked bwz, the three letter code for Auer-Gesellschaft AG, Werk Oranienburg outside of Berlin. This company manufactured many gas masks during the war.

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 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".

The snout, also made from metal had a screw thread, into which the filter was inserted, and beneath that the discharge valve could also be found. This example is marked with btc for manufacture by Honsel Werke A.-G., Meschede, and has 41 in a circle, indicating 1940 manufacture. The inside of the snout is marked bwz, made by the same company as the rubber shell, and also has a 41 date.

The included model FE41 filter can has all original ink stamps present, with a Waffen Eagle stamp, and a 43 date. It is maker marked fcc, the three letter code for Nier, Hermann, Metallwarenfabrik, Beierfeld in Sachsen. The snout is also marked in paint with number 90, which matches the number on the outside of the canister.

Condition of the mask is very good, though the rubber of the mask has gotten somewhat had. The neck strap still retains a small label, marked Schiller Obgfr., the abbreviation Obergefreiter, and enlisted rank roughly equivalent to a U.S. Army Corporal. The original 1943 dated lens inserts have faded to a lovely orange color.

The included carry case is a Long Model 1938 Wehrmacht type, which was introduced to house the stiffer M38 gas masks. It still has the original original metal inner sleeve, which are often missing. The can is in good original condition, with very little repainting. The spare lens compartment is dated 1939, and there is a maker mark next to this. The lid is also paint marked  Obgfr. Schiller,with unit number Erk. 63. The spare lens compartment still has the original retaining spring, and contains two pairs of original 1943 dated lenses, still in their original wrappers. The can still retains the closure strap, but the other straps are all missing.

Overall, a really nice military issue German WWII Gas mask, named to a WWII Soldier and covered with markings. Ready to add to your collection and display!