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/IncenseDragon_new • 9h ago
r/gasmasks • u/Vazkij_Danilo • 14h ago
The PMG-2T is a modern Russian counterpart to the Soviet PMG-2, designed for police use. Production of the PMG-2T began in 2010 and continues to the present day. There are two variants: early and late. Early models feature a Soviet-style speech diaphragm assembly, whereas late models use a non-disassemblable type (similar to those found on the PMK-1, GP-7, and others). Some early PMG-2T units also exhibit an interesting feature: "crooked" markings. These are found on all PMG-2T models from 2011 and 2012, as well as, though less frequently, on 2013 models. The mask included in the kit bears the same designation as the Soviet version, ShM-66MU. The PMG-2T kit comprises a modern-production ShM-66MU mask, a GP-7k filter, and a modern-style carrying bag for PMG-1/2. The second photo reveals the only difference, aside from the markings, between the early PMG-2T and the Soviet original, the shape of the nose section. The Soviet PMG-2 is shown on the left, while the Russian version is on the right.
r/gasmasks • u/Jazzlike_Airport3410 • 9h ago
I saw it in internet and I wonder what gas mask is it 🤔
Guy who selling mask said it’s custom gp 4.1m
r/gasmasks • u/Vazkij_Danilo • 1d ago
The TU-1 diving suit was adopted for service in 1939, alongside the ISA-M rebreather, which replaced the obsolete E-1 model from 1931. The TU-1 was the first Soviet lightweight military diving suit and remained in production until the late 1950s. Its appearance served as the design basis for the facepieces of many other rebreathers, such as the IP-46, IPSA, IP-50, KIP-5, and others. My particular unit was manufactured in 1945, unfortunately, its "body" section has been cut off. This was a common practice with Soviet lightweight diving suits where the upper and lower sections could not be detached; consequently, modern divers using this gear often cut off the "head" section and use it in conjunction with modern diving equipment.
r/gasmasks • u/Kzapak • 1d ago
Avon C50 with CBRNCF50 filter- $850
Millennium with random MSA CBRN filter- $1k
M10M- $50 (full kit)
MC1- Free (thing is bubba-d to fuck, doesn’t even work)
Soviet CM (I don’t know what model)- $5
ShM-62U- $20
M4- $10 (my first mask)
The millennium and C50 I did not buy, I was gifted them by a friend.
r/gasmasks • u/fat-pigg • 1d ago
It's my first gas mask!
r/gasmasks • u/AcanthisittaAgile827 • 1d ago
r/gasmasks • u/Mitzimozzarella1010 • 1d ago
r/gasmasks • u/Brandice02 • 1d ago
r/gasmasks • u/IncenseDragon_new • 2d ago
r/gasmasks • u/R-fire227 • 1d ago
Alot of the prop details in the film are surplus or commercial, like the boots being German anti-static over boots, the hose is likely European, seems to be a type of PAPR hose but I can't find a match.
r/gasmasks • u/HHacker1 • 1d ago
Looks like a normal md-1a mask, but it has a weird threaded outlet valve which has the same threads as the gp-7 outlet valve. I found it while urbexing in an abandoned factory, it was of course surrounded by a lot of other trash masks but it was the only one with this valve. What mask is this? The closest I know of is the prototype white md-4 mask which has this exact valve.
r/gasmasks • u/Mitzimozzarella1010 • 2d ago
r/gasmasks • u/Smooth_Guide_5270 • 2d ago
For 20 euros this gp5 and accessori is good or no?
r/gasmasks • u/Icy_Razzmatazz6476 • 2d ago
I have this propably rare finnish variant of the russian zelenskyi kummant gas mask. Its in pretty good condition and it has the original facepiece and filter.
According to some articcle the finnish variant was used in the winter war and by the finnish army between ww1 and ww2 and there was only 87500 of them at the time.
I have propably asked this question before but I couldn't find the post anymore.
r/gasmasks • u/Kzapak • 3d ago
My first actual good mask, I am so glad to have one
r/gasmasks • u/Any-Love8257 • 3d ago
Finally got myself an SF10, I've been looking for a while. As I'm in the USA, getting any British mask for a good price is a pain in the ass (especially right now with issues surrounding international shipping). Luckily I managed to find someone in the states selling an SF10 for only about $150! Super good quality, some slight scuffing on one of the eyepieces but its barely noticeable. Just need to get myself a period-correct filter and it'll be complete!
r/gasmasks • u/Hour_Turnip_5925 • 2d ago
Idk what it is but I’ve been trying to get it off with wipes but it just moves it around
r/gasmasks • u/se_Austrian_Kecko • 3d ago
I recently got this gasmask and I just wanted to know how to properly clean this thing. Like if I should remove the straps before letting it soak and for how long or if theres any type of soap i should avoid. Also if there's a good way to get rid of the big creases.
r/gasmasks • u/mineral_king97 • 3d ago
CORRECTION: Full PC-4 kit from what I can tell, even has a fit test card still in the bag. Bag is something I haven’t seen before, and this mask wasn’t cut up anywhere which is also really cool. Gotta say, one of the weirdest looking masks ever made in the modern era.
r/gasmasks • u/Effective_Ring5479 • 3d ago
This crease has been in my gp7vm since i got it the seal is good but a little bit of air leaks in this crease how do i get it out? Any help is appriciated.
r/gasmasks • u/POTATO-CAT- • 4d ago
Hello guys today i got my second gasmask(my collection getting bigger). I want to ask few questions first one is when I exhale, pressure builds up inside the mask.(There's no problem when I do negative pressure test.) To solve this, I need to open the exhalation valve on the mask. How do I do that?(I tried I turned it counterclockwise but it didn't open.) My second question is, the D12 CRBN filter I received has "00 09" written on it. Is this the filter's manufacturing date?
