WW1 German gas mask - genuine?

[RelicHunter]

Does this look legit to you? I'm not certain how rare these are, but would love one to go with my new M16.

[Gustaf B]

This is a decent M1917 Lederschützmaske, with the correct cannister (the bail latch is found on the cans for the leather mask, the cloth masks have a friction fit lid.
Best
Gus

[Gustaf B]

I forgot to mention that these are not real rare, but they are not a dime a dozen either, this model usually has the straps missing for the cannister, as they were made of paper cloth, and becaem very fragile if not stored well. This mask uses a special inner lens, that is coated with gelatin to absorbe moisture, the cloth masks had a special fold that allowed the wearer to wipe the inside of the lense with his finger, the leather masks did not have this feature, so they had to come up with a solution. The gelatin coating will absorb moisture for an extended period of time before it turns opaque. There is a compartment in the lid of the cannister to hold spare lenses to replace the satureated lens, they had to be handled carefully, as the gelatine coating was fragile, and it needed to be fit so the coating was toward the wearer.
Best
Gus

[Hans K.]

Lederschutzmasken (aka GM17) had a twine support cord running from the hook on the mask's filter plate up to the top of the head straps. The mask you show is missing this. It's not possible to tell from the picture if all of the other mask straps are intact.

GM17 mask and canister sets aren't rare in this condition. If you want to buy a mask for display, I would recommend waiting for an example where at least the mask is complete with all straps and cords.

Hans

Lederschutzmaske with twine support cord, and its attachment to the head straps.

[Gustaf B]

Hey Hans,
I think you will find that the support string is made of paper, not twine.
Best
Gus

[Hans K.]

Hey Hans,
I think you will find that the support string is made of paper, not twine.
Best
Gus

I'll check what exactly mine are made of when I get home. Regardless, it' still twine.

[Gustaf B]

Hey Hans, I think that is the difference between a farmer and everyone else, twine is made from sisal,
The reason for the twine (OK, I can call it twine too, rather than string, as it is a bit to big to be string) is to support the weight of the filter and holt the lenses at a better angle to the eyes, although, one very seldom sees the support twine in use.
Hey Relichunter, when it comes to gas masks, I do not think anyone has a better understanding than Hans.
Best
Gus