WWII US Civilian Gas Mask -
This is a US homefront item. As issued during World War two. This gas mask was distributed among
the civilian population in the US. It was in response of the fears that the Japanese could attack
the mainland.
This section of the website provides information that allows you to identify American military field
gear collectibles. The data also includes a price guide to give you an idea of the value of the items.
The gas mask comes with the original box. The contents included the mask, the carrying bag
and am anti-dim outfit.
The body of the mask was made of rubber. Six elastic straps were attached to the body. This
featuured allowed the person to adjust it for a better fit. The mask had two plastic lenses.
The filter attached directly to the mouth section.
The carrying bag was made of brown cotton. Two plastic buttons secured the main flap in the
closed position. A white shoulder strap was sewn directly to the bag.
This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII US collectibles. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined
points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my WWII US collectible worth?".
A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the collectibles
is reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth
of US militaria in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military
antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
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The anti-dim outfit came in a round metal container. The lid has the following
information:
Outfit
anti-dimming kit
instructions for use
Wet the finger tip
and moisten the inner
surface of the eyepiece
rub vigorously with the
cloth provided
until the surface
is clear and
dry
The front of the issue box has a white sticker attached to it. The information
displayed on the sticker includes:
1 civilian duty respirator (normal)
1 haversack
1 anti-dim outfit
The straps are attached to the body of the mask on one end and to a central piece
on the other end. The following information is written with white ink:
No. 4 III
B 4/42
Pat. Nos. 296,493 & 305,080
The marking if an arrow pointing up indicates that this mask was produced in England.
This WWII US military collectible may be currently
reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because
the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with
the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item.
Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of
the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other WWII US military collectibles, you can do so by
going to our
WWII US Military Collectibles Price Guide.
Where we cover items from the Army, Navy, Army Air Force and other organizations.
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