New Made Item: These bags were used to carry the U.S. WW2 M4 Gas Mask, manufactured directly from an original in the IMA collection. 100% cotton canvas in OD#3, Chemical Corps stencils, felt pads to protect mask lenses, three pockets for the spare lenses, gas sheet and repair kit, loops to hold the filter canister and anti-tinting stick and leg strap. The shoulder strap is designed with an extra snap hook and slide to allow the bag to be carried comfortably in different positions depending on whether or not the mask was in use.
Stencil on front of bag reads:
ARMY LIGHTWEIGHT SERVICE MASK
An Interesting point of fact is after D-Day occurred and the threat of poison gas subsided many soldiers discarded the M4 gas mask, removed the leg strap for the bag and used the it to carry personal effects, ammunition, rations, etc. These bags are ideal as a side-carry shoulder bag because they are smaller than a musette bag but larger than a standard German bread bag. Necessity is the mother of invention, especially during a war.
Approx. Size: 12″ x 10″ x 5″
Does not include gas mask, filter or any accessories.