Cleaned Can?

[bodes]

Forum Members, I have been in pursuit of finding a WW1 German gas mask can to put with my leather mask....These are two which got away.....The first appeared to me to may have been cleaned some time in the past, as it has a sheen to it.....The second one is what I guess I would more likely expect from a can that is almost 100 years old.....What are peoples' thoughts?....Am I correct in my assumption?.....Bodes

[CWP]

Metal patinates in different ways depending on countless variables. The first picture is taken with a flash which may not be giving a very accurate representation of the actual surface. Years of even careful handling can create a very mellow satin finish. I could imagine that the exact same can could look like either the first or the second example in different photographs.

[Hoss]

Those the only pictures? I'd go for the one without the sling many were painted post war that colour unless it has a wartime ink stamp.

Eric

[C. Roelens]

Based on those pictures I would agree with Chris.

Chuck

[bodes]

Those the only pictures? I'd go for the one without the sling many were painted post war that colour unless it has a wartime ink stamp.

Eric

Eric, I believe those are usually found on the bottom aren't they?......I don't remember seeing any ink stamp.....Wasn't the original wartime color a grey color?.....Bodes

[Hans K.]

Both are in poor condition to be honest. The top can looks like it had the paint scrubbed off a long time ago. It still has traces of the black undercoat paint beneath the Feldgrau - this was a common practice with GM17 and later model 1916 cans. The other canister you show has remnants of what look like paper cloth straps but I can't really say anything about the paint based on the picture. GM17 canisters in good condition aren't rare, although finding one complete with its original straps may take some searching.

The ink stamps you mention are normally found on the base of the can. The circular stamp is an acceptance stamp with the test facility's number in the center. There is also usually a date stamp with day/month/year.

[bodes]

Both are in poor condition to be honest. The top can looks like it had the paint scrubbed off a long time ago. It still has traces of the black undercoat paint beneath the Feldgrau - this was a common practice with GM17 and later model 1916 cans. The other canister you show has remnants of what look like paper cloth straps but I can't really say anything about the paint based on the picture. GM17 canisters in good condition aren't rare, although finding one complete with its original straps may take some searching.

The ink stamps you mention are normally found on the base of the can. The circular stamp is an acceptance stamp with the test facility's number in the center. There is also usually a date stamp with day/month/year.

Hans, the can you posted is indeed very nice in comparison....Original straps aren't of the utmost importance as I'm sure somebody makes decent copies......Could you steer me in a direction of a can in comparable condition?.....Bodes

[Hoss]

Hello Bobes you can also use a breadbag strap many did for a sling, thanks Hans for the photos.

Eric

[Hans K.]

Hans, the can you posted is indeed very nice in comparison....Could you steer me in a direction of a can in comparable condition?.....Bodes

Those two canisters are the nicest ones I have and they aren't quite as commonly found in that condition. eBay occasionally has single canisters for auction and they also do pop up on dealer sites. I'll have a look around.

Eric's suggestion of using a bread bag strap as opposed to repro straps for display is a very good one. I've owned two cans and have seen others that were wartime fitted with these.

[bodes]

Those two canisters are the nicest ones I have and they aren't quite as commonly found in that condition. eBay occasionally has single canisters for auction and they also do pop up on dealer sites. I'll have a look around.

Eric's suggestion of using a bread bag strap as opposed to repro straps for display is a very good one. I've owned two cans and have seen others that were wartime fitted with these.

Thank Eric & Hans!...In fact, the two cans I posted were on eBay.... Bodes