The VM44 is a Second World War gas mask issued to Civilians during Nazi Germany.
Mask overview[]
The VM44's face-piece made from simple canvas originally given a thin coating of rubber(the inside of which being the most coated) to provide a tight seal to the user. Unlike it's predecessor the Volksgasmaske 40, the VM44 uses a disc exhale valve covered with a thin metal protection grate though the intake valve remains the same being held on with metal. The eye-pieces on the VM44 are also made from cellulose as the older models, the only exception being the fact they have been cut down to reduce costs.
The harness on the VM44 consists of five piece head harness, the upper straps directly attached to the face-piece and held together with a thin rubber connection piece that would rest on the back of the user's head. The bottom two straps were not attached to the face-piece by default and would be hooked.
History[]
The VM44 was created to reduce costs for civilian respirators for Nazi Germany, as the VM40 used prior was expensive and used more rubber, which was getting harder and harder to import during the War.
The mask went through several production changes just as the VM40 did, it was originally issued in a wooden box with a string to wear at all times in case of an enemy bombing/gas attack. The kit itself included a face-piece and filtration canister, with a manual tucked on top with a plastic sleeve.
Filter[]
The VM44 was issued it's own unique filter similar to the Volksgasmaske filters except instead of a silver color the filter has a dark brown color. The production stamps are also located in slightly different locations on the filter compared to those issues with previous versions. It was sometimes issued with the older VM37 and VM40 gas mask filters.
Gallery[]
VM44 in original issue canister, this specific box was made to contain a size 2 face-piece.
VM44 face-piece and filtration canister tucked within wooden box crate.
VM44 instruction booklet, page 2-3 informing civilians on how to check, dawn and test the respirator.
VM44 face-piece without filter canister.
Inside VM44 face-piece.