WW2 child's gas mask
Gas mask for child's use in 1939-45 war; metal and rubber, with blue elasticated cords and two circular perspex eyeholes. The rubber is bright red and the filter is blue. In original box. CAUTION contains. The box has two canvas straps threaded through holes in the sides. The box is dirty, has a little water damage and has four iron staples along one side which are rusting. On the top of the lid is printed "THIS SPECIAL RESPIRATOR FOR A SMALL CHILD IS GOVERNMENT PROPERTY. ANY PERSON WHO HAS IT IN HIS POSSESSION IS RESPONSIBLE IN LAW FOR USING CARE TO KEEP IT IN GOOD CONDITION. IT IS TO BE RETURNED TO THE LOCAL AUTHORITY IN WHOSE AREA THE POSSESSOR MAY BE AT ANY TIME, EITHER ON REQUEST OR WHEN NO LONGER REQUIRED." Printed on the underneath of the lid is "PACKING OF RESPIRATOR. 1. The respirator should be placed in box with heavy end (container) standing on bottom of box. 2. Care must be taken to see that the ex-piratory outlet valve lies flat against the side of the box without deformation. WHEN RESPIRATOR IS REQUIRED FOR USE. 1. Hold respirator by the harness. 2. Put on by first putting chin into face-piece and then draw harness over head. Join free parts of harness by hook and eye provided. 3. Take off by pulling the harness over head from the back. DO NOT TAKE RESPIRATOR OFF BY PULLING THE CONTAINER UPWARDS OVER THE FACE.". Inside the mask is embossed "AVON 6 -41 38A". The base of the mask has been newly secured with tape where the asbestos is contained. This type of mask, with its red 'nose' was called a "Mickey Mouse" after the popular Disney cartoon character. [The adult respirator can be seen at picture #7381]
Dimensions: Length 158mm - Width 117mm depth 114mm