Very rare Belgium soldiers complete M18 pattern gas mask in its tin found in the 2000's in the Village of Houthulst on 1918 Ypres battlefield

This is a very rare find from the battlefield a Belgium soldiers complete M18 pattern gas mask in its tin. The tin still has its lid attached which opens and closes, which is rusty with some minor rust damage and a few small holes. It does not have any paintwork remains but has its complete carry strap wrapped around it.On the inside the mask is complete with its filter and still nice condition the mask still with some original colours the leather has dried out and still retains its black colour .The mask is in nice solid condition no braking up or falling apart but has been left in the tin as found not touched. The tin also has its paper label remains inside the lid with some maker markings the tin and mask remain solid and has been lightly cleaned but 99% as found and is perfect for display or any collection.The gas mask was found in the early 2000's in the Village of Houthulst on the September 1918 Ypres battlefield during the 5th Battle of Ypres in Belgium.The gas mask comes with 2x A5 laminated information cards.