Original German WWII Early Issue M30 Size 2 Gas Mask with Filter & Can – dated 1930 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition early model M30 G-Maske or Gasschutzmaske (Gas protection mask), complete with an original Filter and Carrying can, all with WWII Dates and markings. Also included is a set of spare lenses, contained in the can’s storage compartment.

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 has a maker mark of a VHA, which we have not been able to identify. Under the bottom right side gasket it is dated 1930. The mask is in very good condition, however the rubberized coating on the inside has started to degrade and flake off in places. This has also made the mask relatively stiff.

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. This example however is stamped on the inside. 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 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 installed lenses are in good shape, bearing identical maker marks and the date 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 several different types of snouts, and this is the earliest configuration, only made very early during production, so there are very few examples. It is much larger in size than the later versions, due to the much larger exhaust valve. This is maker marked A2B, a mark seen on many “snouts” of German WWII Gas Masks.

The included filter is embossed with FE37, along with a date of 1944 on the top and a nice Waffen inspection stamp. 

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, though the cleaning rag and retainer are missing. The can is in good original condition, with very nice paint, though it looks to have been arsenal repainted. The spare lens compartment has a faint makers mark and ink Waffenamt inspection stamp. The compartment opens well, and still has the original retaining spring, and contains two spare lenses in their original packet. The shoulder carry strap is present with the lower belt strap missing, and the original opening pull strap is still intact.

Overall, a really nice early issue German WWII Gas mask set, all nicely marked. Ready to add to your collection and display!