Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent near-unissued example of a German WWII era Luftschutz civil defense gas mask set, dated 1938 and complete with its original filter, AUER-marked carrying canister, and carrying strap. The mask is a Size 1, the largest of the three German size categories, and remains exceptionally well preserved, with supple rubber and very clear eye lenses showing little evidence of actual wear.

The label on the filter reads S. FILTER für den zivilen Luftschutz. The mask itself is in good overall condition, and the rubber material still feels pliable. It would likely fit fine onto a mannequin head. It is marked on the front with 1, for the size. German WWII Gas masks came in 3 sizes, this example is a size 1 (Large), 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 German Luftschutz, or air-raid protection system, incorporated both organized civil-defense personnel and protective measures for the wider civilian population. Respirators were issued or made available in anticipation of chemical warfare, which had been a major concern throughout Europe following the experience of WWI. Period Luftschutz personnel are well documented with specialized respirators and carrying cases intended to conserve strategically important materials while still providing protection against gas attack. The Australian War Memorial preserves a German Luftschutz Warndienst gas-mask set dating from approximately 1938-1940, illustrating the variety of civil-defense respiratory equipment in use during this period.

Condition overall is excellent and approaching near unissued, particularly for rubberized protective equipment more than eight decades old. The facepiece remains pliable, the lenses are exceptionally clear, and the original filter label is complete and legible. The principal condition issue is minor tearing and wear to the carrying strap.

With its 1938 dates, Size 1 facepiece, complete “S. FILTER für den zivilen Luftschutz” label, AUER-marked canister and mask, original carrying strap, and exceptionally clear lenses, this is a particularly complete example of German prewar Luftschutz protective equipment. The combination of condition, markings, and accessories makes it especially suitable for a collection focused on German civil defense, home-front equipment, gas protection, or the rapid expansion of Luftschutz preparations immediately before WWII.