WW2 German Luftschutz Volksgasmaske – M44 GAS MASK, FILTER, & BOX – SUPERB!

You are bidding on an AMAZING example of a WW2 German Luftschutz M44 Volksgasmaske and Filter! Complete in the original wood box, these masks were issued to all civilian personnel in the final stages of the war.With the development of poisonous gases used as offensive weapons throughout WW1, appropriate defensive gas masks had to be developed. The early M1915 and 1917 gas masks evolved into the M24, and eventually into the M30 and M38 versions. All German Army and Airforce personnel were issued a gas mask, carry canister and accessories, and were required to have them ready at all times.The M44 was the last version issued to the German public, as a possible defense against gas attacks. With Allied Victories in Africa, Italy, and the Eastern/Russian front, the possibility of attacks against Germany proper became a reality, so these were issued to protect the population, as they ostensibly would be fighting to protect Der Vaterland.These masks were not of the same quality as the military issue, being made of relatively thin rubber coated canvas, without the usual steel fittings seen on the military issue masks. Each came in a wooden box, along with a manual regarding correct usage. The instructions even included directions regarding how to turn the box into a carry case to carry under the shoulder.Made of rubber coated canvas, aluminum, and steel, this M44 pattern gas mask is in EXCELLENT unused condition, and all the straps and buckles are intact! The metal alloy eye socket frames and snout retain 98% original paint, and the celluloid eye-socket lenses are VERY CLEAR with only slight yellowing! Overall it is in AMAZING condition with light age and all components intact! Size is marked as a size '2', however, it is overs-stamped with a '3' on the inside.NUMEROUS ink stamps throughout, including a prominent Waffenamt!The mask comes complete with the original wood box, that also indicates a size '2'. There is a manufacturer stamp on the bottom of the lid, but is is hard to read. The original instructions are also included!Would be a PERFECT addition to any collection or display!