Winter camouflage gas mask canister 'Prestag 1937'

A stunning and extremely rare original winter camouflage gas mask canister - completely untouched and left exactly as it was when obtained from the family of the British veteran who originally brought it home. 
 
The canister is the pre-war short variation, which is very nicely maker marked and dated 'Prestag 1937' to the inner lens compartment lid.
 
The can retains the vast majority of the brush-applied winter whitewash paint, over the original factory green, with some staining and soiling visible throughout. 
 
Interestingly, both the base and the canvas pull-tab strap have been inscribed '1944', along with initials. 
 
A truly stunning and guaranteed original example of a camouflaged gas mask canister, in what is surely the most difficult of all camo patterns to find!