Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally scarce original Imperial German WWI GM-15 Gummimaske, or rubberized cloth gas mask, in the later Bandmaske configuration, complete with its original March 1917-dated filter, steel carrying canister, head harness, neck carrying strap, and canister straps. The mask is additionally named on one of its straps to a soldier identified as Stadelmann, giving the set an important personal association. Most surviving GM-15 masks have become extremely brittle with age, while this example remains unusually pliable and can still be carefully shaped for display.

The mask body is constructed from rubberized cloth and is marked 2 on the front, indicating the size. There is staining, along with scattered small holes and general age wear, but the material has survived remarkably well considering its age and composition. The rubberized fabric remains somewhat flexible, a condition rarely encountered on masks of this type more than a century after manufacture.

The very first version of the Gummimaske was introduced sometime between August and September 1915. This version was known as the Linienmaske. Due the short period of time that they were manufactured and used, and the fact that the early single layer filter proved unsuccessful, they are exceptionally rare. The second model Gummimaske, known as the Bandmaske (this example) was the first gas mask to have a screw-in filter, which meant it could be replaced during a gas attack.

This mask is offered in great condition, with the rubber still somewhat pliable after so many years of storage, rare to see. The majority of these masks are at this point extremely brittle and can’t be shaped without the mask itself falling apart. This example can be shaped for display, with the best way to do so being to stuff the interior with a soft material. The front of the mask is marked 2, for the size. There is staining along with some scattered holes but this example has held up very well. The mask retains its original headstraps and the scarce neck carrying strap which is often missing. One of the straps is inscribed:

Uttfz. Stadel-
-mann II D

This identifies the mask itself to an Unteroffizier Stadelmann. The filter retains great markings including a date, 15. Marz. 1917 or March 15th, 1917.

The lid of the canister is also scratched into the finish with:

W M
Tarraut
Michel

The canister still retains the full carry strap and the smaller strap at the bottom. The original instruction label is still underneath the steel cage under the lid, rare to see! This is an exceptionally rare mask that has become more difficult to find in recent years.

This example is particularly noteworthy for its combination of size 2 GM-15 Bandmaske construction, unusually pliable rubberized cloth, complete head and neck straps, named Stadelmann inscription, March 15, 1917-dated filter, named canister lid, complete canister straps, and surviving interior instruction label. Together, these features make it an unusually complete and well-preserved example of one of the Imperial German Army’s earliest standardized protective masks from the chemical warfare environment of WWI.