Those WWII gas masks... how much are they worth?

[Erri]

I wasn't sure if general gear was the right section for this question but since it is connected with the MKVI/MKVII bags I thought it was the most appropriate place.

How much those gas masks are worth? I know they could come in pretty bad condition but I've seen a few on ebay which are in perfect shape for their age (no sign of rust on the can and rubber tube still intact). Some of those are dated as far as 1940!!! Amazing the material quality back then... also considering that the rubber must have been made from rubber-trees and not petrol derivates.

I'm aware of the asbestos risk on the rusty and decaying cans... are rust-free cans safer?

[sithspawn]

Never mind.

[jedidentist]

He's asking about the masks...not the bags. Honestly, I dunno. I guess I'd do what you've probably already done...keep checking E-bay for current and completed auctions. Typically the masks get sold with the bags, so it's tough to say what the mask alone would be. I'd venture that they'd be less than $50?

[Imahomer]

I'd go along with jedidentist, although I think 50.00 would really be a high water mark! The bag is what people want and the mask is either a throw in, or a throw out when included with the bag. I'd have no use for the mask and would just ask the seller to send the bag, less the mask and save on shipping. Yea, it might be a neat curio type thing to have, but I'd have zero interest in something like that. Heck I barely have room for real props, let along neat throw-ins!

[sithspawn]

Sorry Didn't notice that. My bad. Just IGNORE what I said.

[RCSignals]

I don't think they are worth much. not too many years ago they were plentiful. I remember seeing barrels full of new ones in surplus stores, and I mean new unissued condition, all from the War period '40s. They were selling, or at least asking then for well under $5 each.
I suppose a gas mask collector might be interested, or a re-enactor as a prop piece

[sithspawn]

I noticed a bag with mask and accessories on Ebay and the price altogether seemed to be the going rate for bags. My guess is the masks themselves are NOT too valuable. Try to find the listing and you might get an idea from that.

[Erri]

Yeah I had the feeling they weren't particularly valuable items... although WWI ones seem to be, big time. I guess not many of those survived.
Well I had to ask, thanks for the response!

[Swindiana]

Are you looking for one Erri?

Regards,
Swindiana

[Erri]

Naaahhh it was just out of curiosity, acutally they are a bit scary

[Swindiana]

They are... You can see an alien sporting one in Star Wars ep. IV, cantina scene.

Regards,
Swindiana

[Erri]

LOL! I really never noticed it!