German gas mask question

[bodes]

Forum Members, I have an opportunity to purchase a WW1 German leather gas mask......I don't normally collect WW1 German, but have always thought the masks with the funky spider web design in the lenses was cool.....I even remember an identical one in a local museum when I was a youngster.....

Now, my question is how difficult is it to obtain an original can to go along with a mask.....This one is just the mask w/filter but no can.....I can buy it for $80, but will only likely do so, if I can complete it some time down the road.....Any advise and information appreciated as usual.....Bodes

[Hoss]

80bucks is ok but I'd wait for a complete mask, prices have dropped find a nice complete job with the carry strap on ebay or you could be patient to find an empty can, they show sometimes one sold recently for about $60.
Masks sell cheaper on ebayUS than anywhere else stay clear of dealer sites and 'catalogs' they charge double.

Eric

[Chris Boonzaier]

Jump at it.... Mask and Filter for USD80 is a steal.... Just make sure its not a Belgian one.

I would pay USD80 for a good filter alone at a show...

[RelicHunter]

Make sure its a German one (not Belgian) and also make sure it has all its straps, otherwise it's probably not worth your time as a complete can and mask can be had for 250-300 routinely online.

[bodes]

Make sure its a German one (not Belgian) and also make sure it has all its straps, otherwise it's probably not worth your time as a complete can and mask can be had for 250-300 routinely online.

Thanks for the input guys......Is the Belgian post war made?.....How do you tell the difference?.....Please advise.....Thanks, Bodes

[RelicHunter]

Thanks for the input guys......Is the Belgian post war made?.....How do you tell the difference?.....Please advise.....Thanks, Bodes

The filter is the biggest give away. Google WW1 Belgian gas mask and look at a few pictures before you take a look at the mask again. The Belgian masks closely resembled the German masks, but they were manufactured by France.

[Hoss]

Thanks for the input guys......Is the Belgian post war made?.....How do you tell the difference?.....Please advise.....Thanks, Bodes

The ARS mask has a large metal face plate that the filter screws on and believe the steel parts are mustard colour.

Eric

[Chris Boonzaier]

The Belgian masks closely resembled the German masks, but they were manufactured by France.

If I am not mistaken, they took German masks and added the ARS plate.

[Adler 1]

Here's a gasmask can for sale at 75 euro's...
http://www.treasure-hunt.nl/index1.html
Hope this helps you...

Adler 1

[bodes]

Thanks fellas, I do not believe it's an ARS mask but is original German.....I don't remember the filter resembling the Belgian one......And think the face plate and filter were grey colored and not mustard......The trip is about 80 miles so don't know when I'll be back (hopefully soon).....Bodes

Adler 1, I will keep that can in mind.....Thanks

[Chris Boonzaier]

hmm.. 80 miles there and back... 160miles... at todays gas prices... ;-)

[bodes]

Chris, I tried a couple times to PM you, but your box is full......I bit the bullet and bought the mask.....I've only seen one other one around my area, and that was in a museum.....It has all the straps including the one that goes over the neck when not being worn.....Also has twine that goes from the harness to the face plate....The lenses and filter are dated 1917.....Filter and faceplate are grey color.....Even has a tag that the veteran placed on it.....Has his name and the region in France he picked it up at.....He spelled it Mets (Metz)......Now the search begins for a can......Bodes

[Chris Boonzaier]

Chris, I tried a couple times to PM you, but your box is full......I bit the bullet and bought the mask.....I've only seen one other one around my area, and that was in a museum.....It has all the straps including the one that goes over the neck when not being worn.....Also has twine that goes from the harness to the face plate....The lenses and filter are dated 1917.....Filter and faceplate are grey color.....Even has a tag that the veteran placed on it.....Has his name and the region in France he picked it up at.....He spelled it Mets (Metz)......Now the search begins for a can......Bodes

Sounds good at the price.

Shoot me an email. My PM box is a disasater.

Best
Chris

[klr]

I sold a nice one on eBay a couple of years ago and it brought about $365. It
was the mask,can and straps, so if you can pick up a can you will be in good shape.

[bodes]

I sold a nice one on eBay a couple of years ago and it brought about $365. It
was the mask,can and straps, so if you can pick up a can you will be in good shape.

klr, That certainly is reassuring, Thanks....

Chris, Thanks for the link to the thread.....You have an amazing collection!.....You should be proud.....Bodes