{"product_id":"original-imperial-german-wwi-named-gummimaske-gm-15-rubberized-gas-mask-with-march-1917-dated-filter-canister-with-straps-excellent","title":"Original Imperial German WWI Named Gummimaske GM-15 Rubberized Gas Mask with March 1917 Dated Filter \u0026 Canister with Straps - Excellent","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally scarce original Imperial German WWI \u003cb\u003eGM-15 Gummimaske, or rubberized cloth gas mask\u003c\/b\u003e, in the later \u003cb\u003eBandmaske\u003c\/b\u003e 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 \u003cb\u003eStadelmann\u003c\/b\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mask body is constructed from rubberized cloth and is marked \u003cb\u003e2\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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 \u003cb\u003e2\u003c\/b\u003e, 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eUttfz. Stadel-\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e-mann II D\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis identifies the mask itself to an \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eUnteroffizier Stadelmann\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e. The filter retains great markings including a date, \u003cb\u003e15. Marz. 1917 \u003c\/b\u003eor March 15th, 1917.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lid of the canister is also scratched into the finish with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eW M\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTarraut\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMichel\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is particularly noteworthy for its combination of \u003cb\u003esize 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\u003c\/b\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45838932934725,"sku":"ONSV26MSB048","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/253253D1-FC09-4D2D-9F54-9829AE2B12F5.jpg?v=1790187174","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-imperial-german-wwi-named-gummimaske-gm-15-rubberized-gas-mask-with-march-1917-dated-filter-canister-with-straps-excellent","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}