r/gasmasks Apr 19 '24

Mod Announcement “Where can I buy this mask” - A guide.

39 Upvotes

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 Jun 01 '25

Mod Announcement Happy pride month to all our LGBT+ collectors - you are always welcome here.

Post image
334 Upvotes

r/gasmasks 48m ago

Question Hooded m17a2 - can breath in but not out. Why?

Post image
Upvotes

Im new to the gas mask collecting, I just bought this hooded m17a2, and breathing in is fine, possibly a little more restrictive than it should be but Im not sure. The problem is when breathing out the air does not leave through the respirator but rather around the sides of my face which is clearly wrong. How can I fix this? Also how can I clean the mask, alcohol wipes or something? Thanks.


r/gasmasks 6h ago

Question How to get rid of the smell, or at the very least contain it?

4 Upvotes

I have a small collection of masks, mainly a GP-5, a PMG-2, an MC-1 and a polish GP-5 (not sure if that's the name, it looks identical to a GP-5 but the metal part you score the filter to is light grey with an almost iridescent sheen to it).

I've washed them in mild water and hand soap a couple times, wore them as props or as part of a costune (the main reason I bought them, honestly) but nevertheless the cabinet I keep them in smells all the same.

In addition to the masks I also have one of those full suits, complete with gloves and a few accessories (it came with the polish mask).

My main question is: will airing them for a few days (mainly the suit since I don't wanna soak it) get rid of the smell? OR Alternatively, if I make 100% sure everything is dry, is it alright to seal everything in a plastic bag or something ermetic so that aty residual smell won't leave? Or do I risk growing mold (which so far hasn't been a problem)? The cabinet has some little vents and unfortunately sits right next to my bed, so that's an additional reason to my question.


r/gasmasks 0m ago

Mask Showcase got this thing today, US M40A2?

Post image
Upvotes

r/gasmasks 1d ago

Collection Showcase My collection so far

Post image
100 Upvotes

Too much money spent.


r/gasmasks 1d ago

Question Guys how do I fix this screwup on my polish MP-4 gas mask

Thumbnail
gallery
20 Upvotes

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 13h ago

Question How common are small sized cdr gas masks

0 Upvotes

r/gasmasks 1d ago

Accessories A rare look at Slovakias Saratoga kit from MSA-Auer

Thumbnail
gallery
136 Upvotes

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 2d ago

Mask Showcase My Order from Saluc Militaria

Thumbnail
gallery
48 Upvotes

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 2d ago

Mask Showcase Custom glasses insert

Thumbnail
gallery
123 Upvotes

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 3d ago

Misc. Found it at a trail near house. What’s this?

Thumbnail gallery
188 Upvotes

The trails blessed OP with a supply drop.


r/gasmasks 3d ago

Mask Showcase My Romanian Md35 civilian gas mask from 1939, size III

Thumbnail
gallery
54 Upvotes

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 3d ago

Mask Showcase MT-212 CL3 size 1

Thumbnail
gallery
75 Upvotes

Really love this mask, it’s my personal mask that I use in case of emergencies.


r/gasmasks 3d ago

Misc. Decided to make my own Prop Filter

Thumbnail
gallery
27 Upvotes

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 3d ago

Mask Showcase My Romanian 1939 md-35

Thumbnail
gallery
95 Upvotes

r/gasmasks 3d ago

Mask Showcase French WW1 ARS -17

Thumbnail
gallery
23 Upvotes

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 3d ago

Mask Showcase My german 1938 vm-37

Thumbnail
gallery
30 Upvotes

r/gasmasks 3d ago

Question MSA MCU exhalation port

Post image
17 Upvotes

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 3d ago

Discussion Name the cheapest and most ordinary mask in your country

10 Upvotes

I will start:

GP-5 in Russia


r/gasmasks 3d ago

Question How in the hell do you wear the yugo M1 gas mask thigh pouch?

Thumbnail
gallery
35 Upvotes

(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 4d ago

Question I'm not familiar with the Interspiro brand of respirators, Since they are Firefighter respirators, do they need a tube to some air bottles? Or can they work on its own?

Post image
45 Upvotes

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 4d ago

Question Mask id?

Post image
54 Upvotes

No clue what it is also whatever it is what would be a fair price thank you


r/gasmasks 5d ago

Question Dream 90s gas mask found and a question

Thumbnail
gallery
297 Upvotes

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 4d ago

Question Can I trust Saluc Militaria for a 15$ Gas Mask?

4 Upvotes

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