WW1 German Gas Masks

[Hans K.]

Thanks for posting your masks and canisters Joe. The can top row second from left looks like an early model 1916 Gummimaske can to me. Are there maker marks on any of them?

The ground dug artifacts are very interesting. Are these items you found yourself?

[Hans K.]

Joe, I just wanted to clarify my previous post as to why I think the above mentioned can is an early Gummimaske version.

The retainers for the cloth straps on the early ones were flat sheet metal and the sharp edges caused by this design is probably why so few survive with their straps intact. On the later cans, the retainers are rounded just like on the later GM17 canisters.

Below are 3 M16 Gummimaske cans which are arranged early to late (left to right). The two earlier cans, left and center, have the sharp cornered flat retainers, while the later can has the smooth versions. Note the similarites with your can to what I'm fairly sure is an early one on the left.

[Hans K.]

1918 dated GM17 cannister on the left, and the later version GM16 (1917 dated) canister on the right.

[joeimwalle]

more pics

hi hans,
here are the pics of the markings on the cans that have any.
also you are right its a gummi can year ?? ive taken pics of this and its details also, so im going to post 8 new pics
thxs joe
this one has a s at top lid click section

[joeimwalle]

2

this one has a EH

[joeimwalle]

3

this one also has a unit stamp?? 11?? to hard to make out

[joeimwalle]

4

this one has what looks like a W? second letter if any is to hard to read

[joeimwalle]

5

this is the gummi can took 2 pics of details on this one.

back hinge section of lid

[joeimwalle]

6

front close section has no lip on top of lid to help open.

[joeimwalle]

filter markings

her is a filter markings on one of them

[joeimwalle]

bottom of filter

bottom of filter has "S" on side of it near screwdriver point

[Hans K.]

Thanks for posting these pics Joe. You have 2 maker codes I haven't come across yet. I'll post some of mine later.

The can is without doubt an M16 Gummi canister. All of the examples of this type I've come across didn't have their interior coated in black enamel paint, which is normally the case, and one had a very early paper instruction disc. I believe these are early versions, verly likely among the first cans issued. Is the interior base of the can reinforced with 2 crossed strips of metal?
I've seen examples of these cans that were recycled and turned into GM17 cans, and in those cases the deeper lids were used to extend the height of the canister in order to accommodate the leather mask.

[Hans K.]

Here are some more maker marks.

H&S

[Hans K.]

MAB I've come across many examples of this maker.

[Hans K.]

Another MAB marked can.