Original German WWII M38 Size 3 Gas Mask with Fe 41 Filter and Canister – Dated August 1944 Original Items

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a phenomenal M38 German Gas Mask with a front snout manufactured by BMW, as can be seen on the side of the mask’s mouthpiece. This example is complete with an original Filter and Carrying can, all with WWII Dates and markings.

On the canister is painted 2370B. There is a D embossed on the bottom of the canister. The original pulley that opens the canister is still intact and is marked frn 44 for Rudolph Lang, Brandenburg, dated 1944. The straps that adorn the outside are not German and were replaced after World War II.

There are spare lenses in the lid of the canister. The lenses on the mask are both dated 1943. The mask’s filter reads FE41 but the maker markings are too worn to see. AUGUST 1944 is stamped on the side of the filter.

The mask itself is marked Size 3 on the front. 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 mask is marked 42 bwz on the interior for Auer-Gesellschaft AG, Werk Oranienburg outside of Berlin. This company manufactured many gas masks during the war, as well as components for other companies.

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.

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”.

Overall, a really nice military issue German WWII Gas mask.

Ready to add to your collection and display!