December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 132:
Description
This is an original vintage United States military M17 Field Protective Mask Bag, commonly referred to as a gas mask bag. This type of canvas satchel was widely used by the US Army and US Marine Corps from the Vietnam War through the 1980s. The olive drab canvas construction is rugged and features a large flap closure secured by metal snaps or fasteners.
The bag is highly desirable for collectors due to the clear, hand-applied period markings on the front flap. The visible, stenciled marking U S confirms its military issue status. Below this, there is a prominent hand-written or stenciled number M 997, which likely denotes a unit or equipment rack number, adding an element of unique personalization and potential provenance.
The bag is constructed from heavy-duty cotton canvas, showing a genuine patina of use, fading, and discoloration consistent with decades of field service. The bag features a sturdy, adjustable cotton web shoulder strap with loops, possibly for attaching it to a uniform or other field gear. Although designed to carry the M17 mask, these bags were famously repurposed by troops in Vietnam to carry everything from medical supplies and ammunition to personal gear, earning them an iconic place in Vietnam War militaria.
This piece is complete, structurally sound, and its identifiable markings make it a compelling artifact for collectors of US field gear from the Cold War and Vietnam eras.
Share this lot:
