Significantly better than the other mask I shared recently. I believe (and hope) that it’s all-original, without any postwar parts. I’ve heard tales of Bundeswehr head straps, but there are no date markings on this one that I can find. Blue painted, to indicate ferrous metals used in its fabrication. It’s a size 2, or ‘Medium’, and all the parts that are date stamped are marked 1944. The snout bears a unit issue number. Unfortunately, though, the paint is very flaky and is peeling off just from careful handling.

Also including the canister it came with, that it’s been stored in for many years. Seems to retain its original inner sleeve, although the retaining spring and cloth are long gone. Of particular interest here is that the canister seems to retain all its straps, including the ‘rare’ short hook strap, and original paint. The straps are badly worn, field repaired in places and bearing some rather conspicuous stains. The whole thing is covered with odd spots of surface rust, although the paint is practically undamaged and (hopefully) original to the canister.

By far my favourite German respirator, out of the three that I own. Always loved the vibrant orange colour of the eyepieces in particular.

Best regards, B.B.

Click to enlarge the picture