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, Obgfr. Schmieg, on both the can and the mask neck strap. 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 AB between the eyepieces, for Auer-Gesellschaft AG in Berlin, who manufactured many gas masks during the war. As this mask was produced in 1940, this was before the three letter code was in full effect.

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 A in a circle. also for Auer, and has 40 in a circle, indicating 1940 manufacture. The included model FE41 filter can has all original ink stamps present, with a Waffen Eagle stamp, and a 41 date. It is maker marked bwz, the three letter code for Auer-Gesellschaft AG, Werk Oranienburg outside of Berlin. This was one of the factories that Auer operated. The snout is also marked in paint with number 143, which matches the number on the lens compartment.

Condition of the mask is good, though there is deterioration and tearing of the harness, as well as the neck strap However the neck strap still retains a small label, marked Obgfr. Schmieg, the abbreviation Obergefreiter, and enlisted rank roughly equivalent to a U.S. Army Corporal. It is somewhat dirty, and the original 1943 dated lenses have become all but opaque. It definitely shows use, with a great broken in appearance.

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 both the Reinigungslappen (Cleaning Rag) and Lappenhalter (Rag Holder) spring, something we rarely see! The can is in good original condition, with no repainting. The spare lens compartment is dated 40, and there is a maker mark, but it is very faint, and is partly covered by the number Nr. 143 in paint, which is over the name Schmieg and operating number L39110. The spare lens compartment still has the original retaining spring, and contains a pair of original 1943 dated lenses, still in their original wrapper.

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