Gas Mask Conservation

[wright]

Hello,

I have a couple gas masks in my collection and I was wondering what the best way is to display/store them. Here are a couple pictures:

British:




I've gone over this one with some light scrubbing with warm water and a bit of dish soap, is there any way to clean it up more? The nose piece (flutter valve?) is coming lose a little at the top, what should I use to fix it/prevent it from getting worse? How should I wash and clean the bag?

French:




This one is remarkably clean, but the can it came in is coated with some sort of rust. It looks like the grey/blue paint underneath is still there, can I get the rust off? One of the eye pieces in the mask has also pushed out/broken free a little bit, what should I use to repair it?

Also, is there any way to repair the cracking rubber and restore them to looking new?

I appreciate any help!

[bodes]

Wright, Personally I wouldn't spend a whole lot of time and effort on these masks.....They aren't rare or desirable enough to put in the work....The deterioration of the rubber is non-reversible and any touch up/repair may only speed up it's demise.....Keep masks away from heat and sunlight....Just enjoy them for what they are and the condition they're in....Bodes

[Gran Sasso]

This one is remarkably clean, but the can it came in is coated with some sort of rust. It looks like the grey/blue paint underneath is still there, can I get the rust off?

Yes, cover it completely with oil, let it sit for a while, and then rub it of with the lowest grade of steel wool.

[bodes]

Another option is, unless these pieces have sentimental value, is to look for similar items in better condition....The British civil defense mask is quite common and some times found still in their original boxes...Than sell these to recoup some of your costs....Bodes