Original German WWII M30 3rd Model Gas Mask in Size 1 with Filter and Can – Dated 1939 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice condition model M30 G-Maske or Gasschutzmaske (Gas protection mask), complete with an original Filter and Carrying can, all with WWII Dates and markings. This example looks to have been issued to the German Luftschutz, as indicated by markings stamped on the inside above the eyes:

RL1 – 38 / 3
Vertrieb gemäß § 8 
Luftschutzgesetz genehmigt

This indicates the distribution information: Distribution approved according to Section 8 Air protection legislation.

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 4 1939 under the right side gasket, and has maker mark AUER G 552 under the gasket on the top. This indicates manufacture by Auer-Gesellschaft AG in Berlin, who manufactured many gas masks during the war.

The mask is in good condition, still mostly soft, though the rubber seam seals are starting to degrade. There is also degradation to the suede gasket, which has tonr through in several places, showing the inner padding. German WWII Gas masks came in 3 sizes, this example is a size 1 (Large), 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 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 lenses in this example have both degraded, but are clearly dated 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 a third model, with the M38 style snout, marked with “H” in a circle, a known marking, and dated 39.

The included filter is marked with FE41, along with a nice Waffen inspection stamp, and is maker marked fcc for Nier, Hermann, Metallwarenfabrik, Beierfeld in Sachsen. There are additional paint markings, but they are unclear.

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. The can is in good original condition, with no repainting. The spare lens compartment is maker marked ebu in a triangle for Eckhardt & Co., Fabrikerzeugung von Auto-gen u. Atemgeraete, Chotebor, over a 44 date. The spare lens compartment still has the original retaining spring, and there is one 1944 dated spare lens in its original wrapper.

Overall, a really nice military issue German WWII Gas mask, issued for air protection during the war. Ready to add to your collection and display!