Original German Pre-WWII M30 2nd Model Size 3 Gas Mask with Filter, Canister, & Spare Lenses – dated 1936 & 1937 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent condition model M30 G-Maske or Gasschutzmaske (Gas protection mask), complete with an original Filter and Carrying can, all with Pre-WWII Dates and markings. Also included are some very nice spare lenses, still in their original wrappers. The mask, filter, and can are truly in great shape, making this one of the most attractive offerings that we have had recently.

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 wearers 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 1937 under the right side gasket, and has maker mark AUER G 538 stamped under the top gasket. This indicates manufacture by Auer-Gesellschaft AG in Berlin, who manufactured many gas masks during the war. German WWII Gas masks came in 3 sizes, this example is a size 3 (Small), which is indicated by a number stamped on the interior under the right eyepiece. 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 early issue 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 anti-fog inserts are still in very good shape, and easy to see through. One is dated 1938, and the other 1939.

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 is a second model, which is essentially the same as the first model, with an additional cover over the exhaust valve and is maker marked A3B, seen on fittings for Gas masks made throughout the war. This is another marking used by Auer-Gesellschaft AG in Berlin.

The included model FE37 filter can has all original ink & paint stamps present, with a Waffenamt Weimar Eagle Wa.A. 320 stamp, and a 1936 date. There is also a getr. 16. 9. 1938 date, which looks to be an inspection or issue stamp. There is no impressed “FE37” on this can, but it is definitely the correct design. It also looks to be made by Auer, and is marked Üb in red ink, which probably stands for Übung (Training). It also still has the original cap on top.

Condition of the mask really is close to excellent, and it and the filter look to be nearly unissued, with almost no signs of use. The rubber is still supple, and we do not see any cracking or other issues that we often see. The paint is still mostly present on the fittings, and the straps are all in great shape.  The suspension straps are in great shape, and show no fraying or breaking of the internal springs.

The included carry case is a Short Model Wehrmacht type, which was produced 1936-1938, before being replaced by the “Long” version. The can is unit marked on the top with No.865 / Gr.2 and on the side with a red number 97. It still has the original original metal inner sleeve, which are often missing. The can is in very good original condition, and does not look to have had any repainting. The spare lens compartment has a maker mark next to date 1937, and is Waffenamt Wa.A. 400 marked as well. The spare lens insert compartment still has the original retaining spring, and contains two pairs of original 1937 dated inserts, still in their original wrapper. The straps are still present, and in good condition. 

Overall, a really nice military issue German WWII Gas mask, complete with filter and canister in excellent condition. Ready to add to your collection and display!