Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very nice and unusually well-marked original German GM30 (Gasmaske 30 / Gasschutzmaske 30) gas mask set, consisting of an early Auer-produced Size 2 mask dated January 1936, a period Auer filter dated December 1939, an early approximately 24.5 cm short-pattern carrying canister, and original packaged Klarscheiben anti-fog inserts retained in the accessory compartment inside the canister lid.

The GM30 was introduced as the German military's standard service gas mask during the interwar period and remained in widespread Wehrmacht use during WWII. Its construction is readily recognizable by the field-gray rubberized fabric facepiece and soft suede leather sealing frame surrounding the wearer's face. This differs considerably from the later GM38, which employed a molded synthetic-rubber facepiece. The GM30 incorporated replaceable eyepiece components, an elasticized head harness, and a threaded front fitting for the removable filter.

This particular example is especially interesting because a substantial number of its normally concealed factory, production, and inspection markings remain visible beneath the suede face seal.

The mask body is clearly stamped:

1 1936

This establishes manufacture in January 1936. The front breathing and filter fitting is embossed A2B, a marking documented on early Auer-produced GM30 masks. The numeral 2 denotes Size 2, the medium size.

The mask is fitted with the second-pattern GM30 breathing assembly, which retained the general form of the earlier fitting while incorporating an additional protective cover over the exhaust valve. The GM30 underwent several alterations to its front valve and breathing assembly during its production life before the later fittings associated with the GM38 era were introduced.

Additional original numbers and inspection markings are present beneath the leather sealing edge. One area is marked:

40160 F

The precise factory meaning of this marking has not been conclusively established, although markings of this type are commonly associated with factory production, inspection, or quality-control processes.

A separate and much more prominently applied number reads:

4033

This is most consistent with a German military unit issue or equipment-identification number. Numbers of this type are frequently encountered on period gas masks and their carrying equipment and helped distinguish individual pieces of issued gas-protection equipment.

The interior also carries a German military Waffenamt acceptance eagle, with the accompanying number appearing to read WaA 185.

Both original metal eyepiece assemblies remain in place. The transparent components retain period printed markings around their edges, including the German word Innenseite, meaning "inside," which indicated the side intended to face the wearer when installed.

The GM30 employed replaceable transparent eyepiece components, while separate treated Klarscheiben inserts were used to reduce condensation and fogging during wear. The characteristic fabric-covered elasticized head harness remains attached to this example.

The lenses show expected age-related clouding, yellowing, scratches, and surface deterioration, all typical of original transparent gas-mask components from this period. Importantly, the printed markings remain visible and contribute considerably to the originality and overall character of the mask.

The accompanying filter is a particularly attractive component and retains extensive original field-gray/green painted finish together with unusually clear period markings. The top is marked:

Dezember 39
AB
F
450
6655 / 169
Wa.A. 320

The Dezember 39 marking dates the filter to December 1939. The AB manufacturer code is associated with Auer, making this an appropriate companion to the Auer-produced mask. The WaA 320 marking is a German military Waffenamt acceptance stamp, while the remaining numbers appear to represent factory, production, and inspection-control information.

In its construction and period of manufacture, the filter is consistent with the FE37 family commonly encountered with GM30 masks. As no clearly legible FE37 designation is visible on this particular example, however, the precise filter model is not stated as certain.

The roughly three-year difference between the January 1936 mask and December 1939 filter should not be considered unusual. Filters were removable service components, and gas masks could remain in military inventory and continued use while filters were replaced, inspected, or updated as required.

The mask is accompanied by an early German military gas mask carrying canister measuring approximately 24.5 cm tall.

This measurement is an important identifying characteristic. The early short-pattern carrier was associated with the GM30, while a longer carrier was introduced around 1938 to better accommodate the stiffer molded-rubber GM38. The short canister is therefore particularly appropriate for an early January 1936 GM30 such as this example.

An especially desirable feature is the survival of the original spare Klarscheiben anti-fog inserts in the small accessory compartment built into the inside of the canister lid.

Included are two original packaged Klarscheiben, still retained in their period wrappers. These thin treated transparent inserts were fitted behind the mask's eyepieces to reduce fogging caused by condensation from the wearer's breath. The German instructions printed on the packets explain their proper orientation and handling, including the importance of positioning the marked Innenseite toward the inside of the mask and handling the inserts carefully.

These small consumable accessories were easily used, discarded, or separated from their masks during and after the war, so their survival in the proper lid compartment is a particularly nice addition to the set.

Condition is very good overall for an early gas mask set now over ninety years old, with a considerable amount of original material, painted finish, and period markings still present.

The field-gray rubberized fabric facepiece remains substantially intact and presents very well overall, showing expected age and handling. The soft suede leather sealing frame exhibits more noticeable wear, particularly along the upper and outer edges, with dryness, worn stitching, fraying, and localized deterioration consistent with its age and construction. The head harness remains present with its original adjustment hardware and shows normal age-related wear.

Both eyepieces remain securely in place. The transparent components exhibit clouding, yellowing, scratches, and age-related surface wear, but their original printed markings remain visible.

The December 1939-dated filter is especially attractive, retaining substantial original painted finish along with crisp, legible factory and military inspection markings. Importantly, the filter remains removable and can still be unscrewed from the mask.

The two original packaged Klarscheiben remain in the proper storage compartment inside the canister lid. Their thin period wrappers display expected age toning, creasing, and minor deterioration, but both packets remain present and greatly enhance the completeness of the set.

A very appealing and unusually well-marked early 1936-dated Auer GM30 gas mask set, complete with its period 1939 Auer filter, appropriate early short-pattern carrier, and surviving packaged Klarscheiben. The visible factory and Waffenamt markings, early second-pattern breathing assembly, and unusually complete group of associated components make this an excellent representative example of German military gas-protection equipment from the prewar Wehrmacht and early WWII period.