Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent condition model M30 G-Maske or Gasschutzmaske (Gas protection mask), complete with an original Filter and Carrying can, all with WWII Dates and markings. Also included are some very nice spare lenses, still in their original wrappers. The mask, filter, and can are truly in great shape, making this one of the most attractive offerings that we have had recently.

The model M30 was first issued to troops in 1930, and the mask was produced from rubberized canvas with a soft suede leather frame which fitted around the wearer's face. The elasticized 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 gas masks were usually stamped under the suede frame, which makes them somewhat hard to see. This mask is dated 1942 under the right side gasket with a multitude of other numbers. German WWII Gas masks came in 3 sizes, this example is a size 3 (small), which is indicated by a number stamped on the interior under the right eyepiece. 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 and snout on this early issue m30 are painted green, and are the correct early issue non-magnetic type (confirmed with a magnet). Circa 1943, due to material shortages, many gas masks were made with steel fittings, and had blue painted fittings to indicate that they were "magnetical". The eye frames house the Celluloid anti-fog eye pieces, which could easily be replaced should they become damaged in any way. Replacement lenses were carried in the top of the gas mask carrying tin. The anti-fog inserts are still in very good shape, and easy to see through.

The snout, also made from non-magnetic metal, has a screw thread, into which the filter was inserted, and beneath that the discharge valve could also be found. The M30 went through three different types of snouts, the last of which was introduced in 1938, and was identical to the snout on the M-38 Rubber gas mask.

The included model FE41 filter can has all original ink & paint stamps present. There is an impressed "FE41" on this can. The filter unfortunately suffered some rust damage, which ate through to the charcoal in the filter. The holes are small and located towards the front in the top groove.

Condition of the mask is really nice, and it and the filter looks as if it saw solid use. The rubber is still supple, and we do not see any cracking or other issues that we often see. The paint is still mostly present on the fittings, and the straps are all in great shape. The suspension straps are in great shape, and show no fraying or breaking of the internal springs.

The included carry case is a long Model Wehrmacht type, which replaced the short type in 1938 It still has the original original metal inner sleeve, which are often missing. The can is in very good original condition, and does not look to have had any repainting. The spare lens compartment has a maker mark PRESTAG next to the date 1940. The spare lens insert compartment still has the original retaining spring, and contains 1 pair of original 1940 dated inserts, still in their original wrapper. The straps are still present, and in good condition.

The top of the can is marked with RLM for the Reichsluftfahrtministerium, the German Air Ministry. RLM had a system for aircraft designation which was an attempt by the aviation authorities of the Third Reich to standardize and produce an identifier for each aircraft design's airframe type produced in Germany. It was in use from 1933 to 1945 though many pre-1933 aircraft were included and the system had changes over those years. As well as aircraft of the Luftwaffe, it covered civilian airliners and sport planes, due to the RLM handling all aviation-related matters in the Third Reich, both civilian and military in nature.

Overall, a really nice military issue German WWII Gas mask, complete with filter and canister in excellent condition. Ready to add to your collection and display!