Hi Guys, these respirators will never be rare as they were issued in their millions to every adult in Great Britian proir to and during WW2. Around 30 million were made. Thankfully they were never used in anger!
They came in a carboard box which should have been carried at all times. At the outbreak of war and for the first year or two everyone did. Optional private purchase carrying bags or tins were available commercially.
If buying one of these, always go for an example in good condition. The rubber will often have perished due to bad storage. The usual warning, as with all WW2 era gas masks, about the dangers of asbestos applies. Hand with care and NEVER try it on.
This one from my collection is dated 1938 and is a large size example (see stamp on the straps) and has the original owners name & address written on the box lid. I was kindly given this one by a neighbour when I first started collecting when I was aged 15.
Cheers, Ade.
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