Luftwaffe O2 Mask HELP!!!!!!

[frank savage]

Hi there!
I have a LW O2 mask, in almost perfect condition, but it still carried on the rough of the tube, lots of the chalk that was put for conservation.... Now the chalk is almost cristalized... How I have to do? Let it on the mask? Washed off from it? Take it off in some other way???

Please, let me know something!

Cheers, Frank Savage

[Paul R.]

Can you post photos to get a better opinion?

[frank savage]

Hi Paul! Thanks for you reply.
Unlukely I have not other pics at this moment. I'll catch it as soon as possible...

Cheers, Frank Savage

[alessio cammelli]

Hallo!
Posted for my friend Frank ... I'll ask to him a part of its O2mask for the courtesy!!!!!!

The whole item:

[alessio cammelli]

Close up:

[alessio cammelli]

All... for the Luftwaffe's lovers!!!

Bye bye, Ale

[frank savage]

New Pics For Paul!!!

Hi there!
Many thanks to Ale that, as friend as the same, have posted for me the pics!!

As you can see by the close up pic, the old chalk have 'dusted' the corrugated tube of the mask, became a sort of 'cristalized' material. In the middle of the tube, that kind of cristalization is more evident and with a bigger piece of 'dust'... How I have to do? Wahshed out (in wich way)? Keep on? Or what...?

I hope that you can understand!!!!!!

See'ya, Frank Savage

[Paul R.]

The crystal powdery material could be mold, or the tube is deteriorating. For a temporary fix on the tube a wiping down the tube with a clean cotton cloth. If it is mold it would have a some what musty odor smell to it .
If is actual deterioration of the tubes outer material. There is nothing that can be done for a reversal effect. Other than keep the temperature and humidity down. After looking at the photo again. I am leaning towards the material deteriorating. Paul.

[frank savage]

Hi, Paul, thanks for your reply!

It doesn't seem to me a tube deteroriation ... but as something that is deteriorated on... I think that with a clean cotton cloth, i can't remove nothing... maybe only the surface 'thing'. What do you think about a washed up?

Cheers, Frank

[Paul R.]

Try a lightly dampen cotton cloth and wipe it carefully. It's best to change the cloth frequently. If it's mold wipe it down out side. Keep spores some what contained to the outdoors. Let it sit outdoors to dry. As it is drying check for reapearing mold after it has dried. Make sure it is dry completely before packing it away Paul

[frank savage]

Many thanks, Paul, for your kindness!!! I'll keep you informed about the work!

Cheers, Frank Savage