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, Wm. Müller, on both the can (twice) and the mask neck strap. It even has a label on the inside of the lid which gives the full regimental information! The label is somewhat faint, so we cannot make out the first two lines accurately, but it is definitely marked L. Flak-Ers. Abt. 93 W. u. 6.. This would be for the Luftwaffe Flak-Ersatz Abteilung 93, or "Replacement Division 93". Also included are wonderful accessories including spare lenses, a cleaning cloth, and internal retaining spring.

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 D in a Triangle between the eyepieces. This is unfortunately a maker marking that we do not recognize. on the bottom under the chin support it is dated 40, so this mask was before the three letter code was in full effect. There are also some ink markings under the gasket on the inside, which we cannot decipher.

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  40 in a circle, indicating 1940 manufacture, along with a maker mark. The included model FE37 filter can has all original ink stamps present, with a Waffenamt W.a.A. 104 Eagle stamp, and a 1940 date. The can is also marked AB, for Auer-Gesellschaft AG in Berlin, who manufactured many gas masks during the war.

Condition of the mask is very good, with a fully intact harness that is still fully functional and complete. It definitely shows wear, but is still springy, and is marked Wm. Müller on the neck strap. The rubber of the mask is still pliable, though it is somewhat bent out of shape from being in the canister for so long.

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, as well as the Reinigungslappen (Cleaning Rag) something we rarely see! There is another cloth in the bottom as well. The can is in good original condition, with no repainting. The is a Waffenamt W.a.A. 501 ink stamp on the spare lens comparment, though the label covers all of the other markings. The inside still has the original retaining spring, and contains a pair of original 1937 dated lenses, still in their original wrapper.

Overall, a really nice military issue German WWII Gas mask, Regimentally marked and named to a WWII Soldier and still retaining the original issued accessories. Ready to add to your collection and display!