Tropical Camouflaged M30 Gas Mask & Can, Afrika Korps
Price: Sold
Description:.WWII German early war Gasmaske-30, FE42 Filter u. 25cm Tragebusche; Scarce original early sand color, pinkish-tan painted can. Earlier 25cm Carrying can with original, early matching khaki web straps; Early version Model-30 canvas/rubber mask; FE42 painted filter can just happens to match the cans sand-camouflage paint. This complete rig does show overall field wear with some corrosion to the carrying can that is missing its spare lens cover in its lid; corrosion to filter housing as well; the mask itself seems to have held up best with all straps present, good elastic and serviceable.
Background: With the development of poisonous gasses used as offensive weapons in WWI appropriate defensive gasmasks also had to be developed. The German WWI M1915 and M1917 gasmasks evolved into the Reichswehr era M24 gasmask and eventually into the M30 and M38 gasmasks used in WWII. All German Army personnel were issued with a gasmask, carrying canister and accessories and were required to have it readily available at all times. Although the use of chemical warfare agents was considered by the German OKW, Oberkommando der Wehrmacht, (High Command of the Armed Forces), fear of the Allies’ retribution forced them to reconsider and shelve the idea. Fear of the potential use of chemical warfare agents made the gasmask and canister a constant companion of the German soldier through-out the war. Of Note: In spite of the fear of the potential use of chemical warfare agents some German personnel opted to utilize their gasmask canisters as a container for extra food or contraband in spite of regulations. And many painted or appropriately camouflaged them as they did their helmets in their specific areas of operations and/or weather conditions.
