Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition model M30 G-Maske or Gasschutzmaske (Gas protection mask), complete with an original Filter and Named Carrying can, all with WWII dates and markings. Also included are wonderful accessories including spare lenses, a cleaning cloth, and internal retaining spring. The mask and accessories are in really nice lightly used condition, making this a very attractive offering.

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 8 1937 under the right side gasket, with a Waffenamt WaA320 stamp under the left side. It is stamped with AUER G 560 under the top gasket, for Auer-Gesellschaft AG in Berlin, who manufactured many gas masks during the war. German WWII Gas masks came in 3 sizes, which is usually indicated by a number stamped on the front between the eyepieces, however there is no size marked on this mask. 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 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 easy be replaced should they become damaged in any way. Replacement lenses were carried in the top of the gas mask carrying tin. The lens inserts are still in good shape, though they are a bit shrunken and misshapen on both sides, no longer making a seal around the edges.

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. This example has the 2nd Model snout, which was the same as the First model but had an added piece attached to the bottom, and is marked A2B on the side, a known marking for these masks.

The included model FE 42 filter can has all original ink & paint stamps present. It is maker marked fcc for Nier, Hermann, Metallwarenfabrik, Beierfeld in Sachsen, and also has a 1942 date on the top. It still retains the bottom plug, which is also maker marked fcc.

Condition of the mask is very good, with great rubber and all parts intact. The 1937 dated lens inserts are present with "A B" markings for Auer Berlin, so they are the originals. Unfortunately they have shrunk a bit and discolored, which happens over time. The paint is still mostly present on the fittings, and the straps are all present, including the neck strap (often removed). The suspension straps are in great shape, and show no fraying or breaking of the internal springs. This is really a very nice example of an M30 Mask!

The included carry case is a Short Model Wehrmacht type, made from 1936-1938, replaced by the Long type designed to hold the M38 mask. It still has the original original metal inner sleeve, as well as both the Reinigungslappen (Cleaning Rag) and Lappenhalter (Rag Holder) spring, something we rarely see! The can is in good original condition, and does not look to have had any repainting. The exterior definitely shows paint loss and rusting, definitely adding to the patina. The spare lens compartment has has an original label named to the soldier it was issued to, which is partly legible:

Stabsgefreiter
Fredrich ?othein
Feldp. Nr. 38 713

This unfortunately has covered the maker markings, but it is definitely a correct period can for this mask. The spare lens insert compartment still has the original retaining spring, and contains two pairs of original 1936 dated inserts, still in their original wrappers. The straps are still present, showing wear consistent with age and use.

Overall, a really nice military issue German WWII Gas mask in very good condition, complete with filter, named canister and other accessories. Ready to add to your collection, research, and display!