Germany, Heer. A Mint Mid-War M38 Gas Mask and Canister, by Drägerwerk

(Heer Gasmaske M38 mit Tornister). A mint Heer M38 gas mask, constructed of a field-grey rubber frame, the face featuring eyepieces consisting of yellow tinted celluloid lenses situated within circular magnetic metal rings, with the rim surrounded by aluminum loops accommodating original and fully-intact grey cotton straps adjusted with functional aluminum buckles, the front featuring a field-grey painted aluminum ventilation shaft with interior threading for the accommodation of a corresponding filter, the latter included and constructed of a field-grey painted magnetic metal shell, the mask maker marked on both the shell and lenses with code “BYD” for Drägerwerk AG, Lübeck, with a manufacture date of “42”, and with an additional Waffenamt stamp visible on the filter, accompanied by a matching canister, constructed of field-grey painted magnetic metal, the exterior featuring a ribbed shell and with two protruding loops accommodation an original canvas carrying strap, topped by a lid on a functioning hinge which fasten closed with an additional spring-loaded strap, opening to reveal a hidden compartment within the lid which retains unused replacement lenses within an original wax paper package, measuring 13 cm (w) x 28 cm (h), demonstrating no signs of wear or fatigue to either the mask or canister, a superb and unused mid-war example in near mint condition.