BACKGROUND: With the development of poisonous gasses used as offensive weapons in WWI appropriate defensive gasmasks also had to be developed. The German WWI M1915 and M1917 gasmasks evolved into the Reichswehr era M24 gasmask and eventually into the M30 and M38 gasmasks used in WWII. All German Army personnel were issued with a gasmask, carrying canister and accessories and were required to have it readily available at all times. Along with the gasmasks, new decontamination tablets, specialized eye glasses, protective gas capes and gas suits were also developed. The protective gas suits came in two models with a light suit which was available to all personnel as required and a heavy suit for select personnel for special tasks. The M39 protective light gas suit was carried by the units supply train and issued to personnel detailed as decontamination units. The M39 protective light gas suit was introduced on June 6TH 1941, and consisted of boots, pants, gloves and a "bib" like neck protector. After usage the M39 protective light gas suit was considered contaminated and was to be destroyed. Although the use of chemical warfare agents was considered by the German OKW, (High Command of the Armed Forces), fear of the Allies retribution forced them to reconsider and shelf the idea. 

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The gloves have a feldgrau exterior with a dark grey interior. Glued seams and long cuffs that would extend almost to the armpit and are roughly 66cm long from the tip of the fingers to the cuff edge. The gloves have a separate index/trigger finger and a rayon strap at the edge of the extended cuffs. Could not find any visible markings, although they are most probably there someplace. Overall good condition with light age toning. Scarce protective light gas suit gloves.