My first WWI M1917 Ledermask!

[K Bandow]

Just came in the mail today, and would love any opinions on it! I have a feeling the cross-strap is a replacement, but it is very old. The filter is dated June 29, 1917 and the mask is stamped size 2 inside.
I have a good feeling she has been there!

[Hans K.]

Well done. It's nice to see the spare lenses in place (even without the paper envelope), and the instruction disks are often missing, so you essentially have a complete set here.
Are you referring to the carrying strap as possibly being a replacement? It looks period to me as do all of the straps on the mask. I've often come across canisters that have the long carrying strap tied on, and I'm sure the ends occasionally unravelled or were ripped in the field and had to be refastened in this way.

The loose short strap shown in the bottom of the can is interesting and a bit confusing as I can't figure out from the pictures shown whether it's the short canister strap or part of a mask strap.
Hans

[K Bandow]

Thanks for the input Hans!
You know, the material on that small peice of material really doesn't match any of the other straps! It looks almost field made to me, maybe for some other reason? Someone might know!
I love it. Definitely not the last one I will buy - still want a gummimaske!

[Uncle Goose]

still want a gummimaske!

Check the German ebay.de from time to time (keyword to search is Gasmaske), they pop up once in a while but be prepared to shell out some money. I'm also in search of one but don't expect any competition from me, since I'm studying again it became to expensive to get one that way.

[Sergeant 08]

Karl, a very nice Gasmaske

[C. Roelens]

For being the first, you're off to a good start.

Chuck