It looks more likely to be a thermos flask for soup etc as in the top cap is a server with handle. The usual standard German Gas mask case was convoluted vertically like corrogated without the shaped top. The gas mask cap was straight across and not domed. MP44.nl - German Uniforms and Equipment - Gasmaske Regards Tom
Going to have to go with gas mask holder , but not WW2 case. The shallow square container incorporated into the lid is for a set on lens. Post war but not sure if its east or west German. The same fitting existed in German gas mask tins. The off set clips one on the right goes to the belt and the other to a webbing strap which goes over the left shoulder , same carry position as Geramn WW2 masks and something unique to them. The closing clip another very German feature but it isn't a WW2 tin , (IMO) it is post war. http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/weapons-technology-equipment/17489-german-kit%3B-two-bits-baffle-me.html This shows the same type of shallow container in the lid.
Very similar looking canister body here, sadly only a partial view: DSC01132.JPG (image) Scroll down with ctrl+f to "Military GM65, made by Dräger" here. (Lots of masks on there.) Shame that the excellent Gasmasks.net doesn't appear to focus on canisters... yet.
Adam, It looks like very similar to me, I think you take the prize. Looked at lots of cases on the web but non the same. Very well spotted. Regards Tom
Another very similar one. Without the dimpled finish, but all the other fittings seem to match: WWII German Gas Mask Canister - Special Forces Gear I'd say they're not being entirely accurate in flogging it as WW2, though $25 for one in that condition should encourage any emptor to do a bit of caveating Beutel? - Bag? Container?
One thing to be wary of is that the fluted canister of WW2 continued to be manufactured through to the 1980's - I was recently given a West german fire brigade mask (mask is also identical) that was made in 1977. (the only difference (apart from the '77 date inside the lid) is that it's painted in a metallic olive green rather than drab). Dave.
The nature of the securing stud for the clip and the makers code are things to look for. A friend of mine went through a gas mask tin stage a while back. Odd to some but not to him. ( We all go a little mad in our own uniquely individual manner).
One thing to be wary of is that the fluted canister of WW2 continued to be manufactured through to the 1980's - I was recently given a West german fire brigade mask (mask is also identical) that was made in 1977. (the only difference (apart from the '77 date inside the lid) is that it's painted in a metallic olive green rather than drab). Dave. To illustrate... WW2 GM30 on the left (with 1944 manufactured M38 canister), FeuerwehrGM54 (with 1977 manufactured M38 canister)on the right...
The tin in the first post is definately a Bundeswehr gas mask canister without a shadow of a doubt (bought a few (for the masks - them being so similar to the WW2 pattern)a few years back and couldn't even give the tins away!!!)...it was originally designed to house the GM54 but continued in use with the GM65. I don't know it's exact terminology, but I'd hazard a guess at it being a M54 case. dave.
