Original Boxed WWII German DM 37 Volksgasmaske ‘Peoples Gas Mask’ with Original Instruction Book. 22441:27. Original Boxed WWII German DM 37 Volksgasmaske ‘Peoples Gas Mask’ with Original Instruction Book. 22441:27. Antique & Militaria

The People's Gas Mask was a principle developed in several countries during the Second World War that provided for the supply of gas masks to large parts of the civilian population . This was intended to reduce the effects of the possible use of chemical weapons in the bombing war against settlements. In most cases, the People's Gas Masks were less effective than the military versions but could be produced more quickly and cheaply. The German "People's Gas Mask" from Drägerwerke , which also went by this name, was in its original version a hood-like construction that covered most of the head. Later versions did without the hood to save material; they only covered the face and were fastened with straps at the back of the head, as is still common today. Towards the end of the war, the quality of the people's gas masks declined more and more, and the last version from 1944 was only made of thin, rubberized material. All versions had two separate viewing lenses, a round, screw-on filter and an exhalation valve. The mask was issued to the population from July 1937. It was intended for use for a maximum of 20 minutes, depending on the chemical agent (five minutes against phosgene ), and was primarily intended to enable the wearer to escape from the endangered area. Almost 45 million people's gas masks had been produced by the end of the war. The enclosed instructions for use stated: “Take better care of your gas mask than your clothes, because it could save your life if necessary! This German Volksgasmaske green rubber gas mask with aluminium filter canister. The mask is a pull-on full head style with elasticated strap * see images of strap* yellow plastic eyepieces and a one-way rubber exhaust valve in front of the nose. The filter is marked 'RL1 - 38/4' 111-5483. On the outside of the rubber is a small orange paint stamp of the German eagle and swastika above the marking 'Wa A 104'. The section inside the mask above the canister has a one-way rubber and steel inlet valve encircled by a thick band of compressed paper. The valve is crimped onto the mask by an external metal band. The removable screw-in canister is made of unpainted aluminium with the embossed figures 'RL1. 38/4' and '5 125' on its upper face as well as a small swastika and eagle symbol over the marking 'Wa. A. 320' are also present. The lower part of the original box is present and in very good order. The original DM 37 instruction booklet accompanies the set along with a copy of a 1943 dated German newspaper. The price includes UK delivery. 22441:27.