Bundeswehr M58 Gas Mask Can / Carrier for the M54 Gas Mask, Second Model with "Isolation NBC Paint", 1958 -1965, Post-War dated 1960 PSL

Since we've veered back to the post-war, West German gear again, I figured we'd take a look at another iconic item. A more modern version of the classic, German, Gas Mask Can.

This particular can is considered the "second model", post-war, can that was issued to carry the M54 gas mask.  The M54 gas mask was basically a post-war version of the WW2 gas mask, constructed with slightly better materials.  The first model post-war can was also a slightly updated, but duplicate, version of the WW2 can.

In 1958, the Bundeswehr "modernized" the gas mask can and came up with the M58, second model can.  This can was designed for the "Cold War".  This second model was issued from 1958 to 1965, but was actually used clear into the 1980's in some instances.  It was officially discontinued when the M65 gas mask was issued, but was carried as long as the older M54 gas masks were still being issued (the M65 will not fit in these earlier type cans).

This second model can, is painted in the classic, Cold War, "Isolation NBC Paint".  This paint was designed to protect the gear from contamination from Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical contaminants (NBC).  I have no idea what this paint was made with, but it must have been amazing stuff to protect everything from these "contaminants"!  The lid also has a rubber gasket to seal everything inside when closed and latched.

These gas mask cans were used by all branches of the German Federal Agencies.  Bundesgrenzschutz and Polizei units used this same can and M54 gas masks, but often repainted them in their respective agency colors.  This can we're looking at today is painted in the classic Bundeswehr OD Green.

The can is longer than earlier versions, and has horizontal reinforcing grooves on the tube.

The lid is deeper and larger, and contains a double-hinged carrier in the lid.  

This carrier held spare lenses, and then the entire lens compartment hinges to reveal a storage area for the anti-fog cloth.

The spring loaded latch is virtually identical to the WW2 versions.

The carry straps are also post-war duplicates of the WW2 carry straps and are often passed off as original WW2 straps to the unsuspecting collector.  The weave is coarser, and the color a bit different on these post-war straps.  The long looped strap was worn across the body and over the shoulder.  The short strap with hook, was used to suspend the can horizontally on the lower back, with the hook on the waist belt.

The cans are lined with a tube of sheet metal and if you look at the bottom, inside, you will see the "gas mask spring".  This spring device was used to hold the cleaning cloth in place, in the bottom of the can, when not in use.  (Thank you to a very observant follower of the blog......I originally identified this spring as the device that held the mask open when stored.  My mistake, and it is now now corrected!)

My can is dated 1960, and bears the PSL makers mark.  PSL is the mark for Paul Schulze and Company of Lubeck.

The original owners name strip is still glued into the inside of the lid.  Arold Ferdinand.

This can is an essential bit of gear for any 1960's era Bundeswehr display.  I plan on mounting this on the back rack of my Polizei Dienstfahrrad (police bicycle).  More on that project in a later post!

Here's the photo album of this classic M58 Gas Mask Can.