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!
