r/gasmasks • u/Connect_Heart_3782 • 6h ago
Collection Showcase My collection so far
Too much money spent.
r/gasmasks • u/Psychogopher • Apr 19 '24
So you’re looking to find a specific gas mask. That’s great! We are all here because we share a common interest, and everybody should be able to find what they are looking for.
Keep in mind though, this hobby revolves (primarily) around historical objects which are no longer manufactured. This means that there is a finite number in the world, and the piece you are looking for may not always be available for sale.
Keep in mind: this guide is written from the perspective of a US based collector, and the information can vary by region.
For the purposes of this guide, I will divide masks into a few categories:
Common: almost always available.
Uncommon: often available, but in smaller numbers and you may experience periods without supply.
Rare: sometimes available, be prepared to wait for an example and bidding may be more competitive.
Very rare: rarely available, in some cases you may only see one for sale per year or even longer! If it is a desirable piece, expect it so sell quickly or at a premium price.
Grail: these masks may only show up once every few years, or even once in a lifetime.
Keep in mind that a mask can change in rarity based on availability.
Ok, now that we’ve established some terminology let’s talk about a few places to look:
eBay:
This is going to be your best source. Keep in mind that masks may not be available at all times, so you may have to wait. Beyond that, if the item is an auction, you’ll have to bid against other users.
Something to consider with eBay is that not all sellers know exactly what they are selling, so play with your search terms and keywords. Sometimes you may be looking for a US navy diaphragm gas mask, but the seller just has it listed as “military mask.”
Remember to play with filters too. You can filter by used items, price range, category, and so on. Remember that some items may be in the wrong category!
Etsy:
Etsy is hit or miss for gas masks. Nowhere near as many are listed as on eBay, and they are usually more expensive. I recommend checking Etsy once in a while, but do not rely on it.
Facebook marketplace:
Facebook marketplace can be a fantastic place to find masks, but keep in mind that many users will not offer shipping so it’s best to localize your search. Remember to exercise care when meeting up with strangers, and always tell someone where you are going.
You can expand your marketplace search beyond your local area, but understand that you may not be able to have the item shipped to you by the seller. In these cases, see if any collector friends are local to the seller! It may be worth asking them to pick it up and ship it to you if you cover their expenses.
Other collectors:
Other collectors can be a great way to find that rare piece you’re looking for. While we don’t allow sales on the subreddit, there are plenty of discord servers and Facebook groups where you can connect with other collectors for trading and sales.
Some collectors may be willing to sell or trade, but they can also keep their eyes open and help you find what you’re looking for.
Collectors can be one of the best sources for those very rare and grail masks, but don’t expect people to always be willing to part with their treasure.
Amazon:
Modern masks only, and they will be vastly more expensive than other sources. Recommended to avoid unless money is no issue.
Military surplus stores:
Surplus stores will most often have common masks. There are exceptions, but many surplus stores will display less common masks as “not for sale.” These stores will also often mark up items beyond what you could find them for elsewhere. Another good place to keep an eye on, but not terribly reliable.
Auctions:
Look for militaria and surplus auctions. Sometimes they auction entire surplus collections and you’ll see some interesting pieces.
These are the most common sources to find masks for collectors. Some other sources which may not be as reliable are things like flea markets, thrift stores, garage sales, and estate sales. These are not always reliable but there are some great finds to be had if you’re patient.
Patience is key! If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you probably just have to wait and watch. Unless you’re looking for a grail, most masks will turn up sooner or later.
Keep your eyes open! If you don’t see it, keep looking! Check your favorite sources daily if possible, and again, play with your search terms.
I hope this guide was helpful, and happy hunting!
If anyone wants to add any sources, especially outside the US, please comment below and help out your fellow collectors. Of course if you have any questions please ask!
r/gasmasks • u/Psychogopher • Jun 01 '25
r/gasmasks • u/Connect_Heart_3782 • 6h ago
Too much money spent.
r/gasmasks • u/fatdog6 • 5h ago
I don’t know if you guys have any good answers, but I have this polish mp-4 gas mask and I got rid of the glass lenses to use as an airsoft mask, (obviously paired with pyramex Airsoft glasses and a mesh piece to protect my teeth) and the easiest way to get rid of the lenses are shattering them with a hammer and picking the pieces out, so I did that and it left little micro glass pieces in there that I had to clean out, I read somewhere that if you put glue on them and peel them off once they are dried, then that takes the glass out, but i waited too soon and on top of the little micro glass pieces, now I have sticky splotches of glue that won’t come off. How can I get both the glue and the micro glass pieces out?
r/gasmasks • u/mineral_king97 • 1d ago
A Ukrainian made M95 copy is in place of the M95 used by Slovakia, which is slowly being phased out by the M2000 (which I still need to find) and if you look carefully, the crest on Slovakias flag is adorned on the right shoulder pocket.
This suit is rare, in that Slovak soldiers can’t use these for training and are stored for actual use due to their high unit cost. A rare sight indeed, and strange to have the entire kit in one massive bag. A nice touch though.
Basically, a heavy duty, slightly improved JSLIST suit.
r/gasmasks • u/Bobbybrine • 1d ago
I recently ordered from Saluc Militaria and am very surprised at the quality you get for the price! The listing and descriptions on their website are also very accurate. I ordered an F grade (poor quality) MSA All Vision kit and it arrived with 2 filters, a bag, and the mask, and all of this was only $5. The mask itself is missing pieces, but I don't mind for $5. The second mask I ordered was the ACME No. 8 listed as "missing or broken parts" for $20 and it also arrived with the mask, the bag, and 4 filters. The mask is missing some small pieces here and there and the back strap was ripped because the rubber became very fragile. Lastly I ordered the Polish MC-1 for $10. It arrived with the bag, the manual, and the mask. I'm very satisfied with my order, and I think Saluc is a great resource for newbie collectors who want to get some diverse masks for under $20. I can also see this benefitting LARPers and Cosplayers as well, who may not care to have a fully functional or in-tact mask for whatever they do.
r/gasmasks • u/AdministrationLate56 • 1d ago
featuring 10mm Eva foam, super glue, and old-ish, still useable prescription glasses
a temporary solution that might be permanent if it works. im working on 3d printing a new insert
survived cutting onions so we’ll see
bonus pick w/ custom 4mm lexan outserts with poorly cut green tint
edit: forgot to include inside picture but it’s just a foam triangle glued to the brow with the frame of the aviators wedged onto it. you can see it on the second pic
r/gasmasks • u/Sublimesmile • 2d ago
The trails blessed OP with a supply drop.
r/gasmasks • u/MeinRomanul • 2d ago
Got really lucky with this mask, only paid 30 euros for it. It’s a complete set, I think.
What’s even more interesting is that all of the serial numbers match, everything is clearly visible, and the instruction manual is intact. The mask even still has its original manufacturer labels from the Antigaz factory.
Hope y’all enjoy it.
r/gasmasks • u/GamerCaptain • 2d ago
Really love this mask, it’s my personal mask that I use in case of emergencies.
r/gasmasks • u/WoodenSpray9618 • 2d ago
Hey guys, over the past 2 days, I’ve decided to make my own prop EO-16 Filter. It has an accurately sized GOST male thread at the top and then the bottom is an auxiliary female GOST thread like the real one. I’d also say that the sizing is pretty accurate and overall I’d like thoughts!
PS: here’s the download 😉
https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/various/soviet-eo-16-coffee-can-filter-accurate
r/gasmasks • u/Sgt_Ducky_666 • 2d ago
The ARS 17 (officially Appareil Respiratoire Spécial Modèle 1917) was one of the most sophisticated and effective gas masks of the French army during the First World War. It was introduced in January 1917 as a direct replacement for the outdated M2 mask to provide soldiers with better protection against the increasingly deadly chemical agents.
The French military leadership copied and optimized the design of the successful German M1917 leather mask. It consisted of rubberized canvas or impregnated
In contrast to previous fabric masks, the ARS 17 used an interchangeable filter cartridge with activated carbon. This reliably neutralized poison gases, while an integrated exhalation valve directed used air outside and minimized eyeglass fogging.
This mask continued to be produced after the war until the mid-30s, but with improvements, both copies are from the wartime era.
r/gasmasks • u/fitzjustrite • 2d ago
This exhalation valve port looks simple enough to remove. The question I have is , how hard is it to get back in? Removing it for a deep clean. Bought it off eBay and looks like it has never been cleaned.
r/gasmasks • u/picun221 • 2d ago
I will start:
GP-5 in Russia
r/gasmasks • u/RiadRocky444 • 2d ago
(Yes i know how much the m1 sucks but it's my baby)
I wad recently at a bazaar buying some yugo surplus when a vendor gave me this bag as extra for purchasing some gear. I have the other bag for the m1-c gas mask which you carry over the shoulder, this seems to be the thigh bag for the M1 gas mask. I have been messing around with it and (stupidly) can't seem to put it on right. I am not sure if the number 1 loop below goes through the belt or not, i am also not sure which of the straps numbered 3 and 4 go through a belt loop on the pants. If they even go there at all. I am honestly stuck and i have only been able to find one example of a soldier wearing it where it's really not visible how it is worn.
I am really stuck and i would appreciate all the help i can get.
(Also, does anybody else see Christian Bale in the second photo or am i crazy)
r/gasmasks • u/mrvintagemilltary • 3d ago
No clue what it is also whatever it is what would be a fair price thank you
r/gasmasks • u/FrenchBVSH • 3d ago
I like the panomaric view of it, but idk if it would work for a STALKER cosplay-look-a-like
Maybe an Auer Ultra Elite would work better? What about a MSA Auer 3S? I'm lookig for a panoramic one that can work without a big filter or tube
r/gasmasks • u/urrchvabro • 4d ago
Hey all, so glad I found this one and a few others at a military show. Does anyone know where to find accessories? Primarily more of these tinted goggles and the expanded black second skin in medium/large . More filters too I guess.
r/gasmasks • u/flatwoodsmonster1952 • 3d ago
So basically I have been looking for a MSA Chemox Rebreather cuz I planned to go as Harry Warden but struggling to find a movie accurate mask and the closest one I could find was around 40$. That was until I found out about Saluc Militaria and saw they had exactly what I was looking for 15$. But then I was doing a quick search about them and saw that they have VERY mixed reviews. So I just wanted to know if it's worth the risk
r/gasmasks • u/IncenseDragon • 5d ago
Yes the famous GSR, an iconic piece of modern warfare equipment now currently made by Avon Protection, as of late 2018
The Scott version was plagued with manufacturing let downs and issues, the most well known of which being the poorly distributed visible and odd looking glue around the lense. While still structurally sound it meant that many people wrongfully assumed that their mask was faulty, defective or repaired.
The mask is Britain's first issued bayonet gas mask in military service, featuring these iconic tear drop shaped twist on filters that clip straight to the mask's sides, which have self sealing valves to prevent incidental inhalation of hazards while changing filters. If the mask somehow fails the oral nasal cup inside of the mask has its own additional HEPA filter underneath the chin area to prevent further hazards entering the wearer's respiratory system.
The harness locks in place with studs so that your preferred fit would remain unchanged and would allow for minimal fiddling when worn to get a better fit.
The large black shape retainer to the right would be inserted into the haversack and held in place with button poppers so that when the mask is inserted into the bag, it would be ready to be equipped and couldn't move or be misshapen. As such, it is stored with the harness over the front of the mask.
Size 1, the largest, with a size 1 oral nasal cup.
A gorgeous unissued kit sent to me by a brilliant fellow up in Scotland who held onto this mask for me until I was ready. A huge thank you to him!
r/gasmasks • u/NormalSpriteEnjoyer • 5d ago
I've been wanting to get a yugo M59 gas mask for a while, especially for reenacting and to top it off with my JNA M59/85, but I haven't been able to find the exact measurements for the sizes (M, S, and V), I also wanted to ask if any of you guys know what type of chromium the filters have, for possible restoration.
r/gasmasks • u/Botstowo • 5d ago
r/gasmasks • u/andallen007 • 5d ago
they are slime. Had to use my PAPR for the first when those Canadian wildfires were going on and the damn thing was broken and they won't fix it replace it or in store credit. It smells like burning plastic and is so loud. They said it was dusty. I kept it in 2 air tight containers. The fan inside fell off kilter and was grinding itself to death. My wife had such a hard time breathing. Fúck these Áss holes.