O2 masks all over..

[Jos L C]

Just a tip for those who don't have too much knowledge of O2 masks..

The last few days a bunch of O2 masks hit the market.
These're "grounddug" masks which are nicely restored with gasmask straps,new headstrap and new faceflap and probably reworked springclamps,whatever..
The white BAL stamp is also added to them IMO.
They're nice items for display though.
Price range is 1100 Euro upto 1550 Euro.... ,which is $ 1335.- upto $1880.-
I believe in some profit,but..

This,compared to other restored items is ridiculous IMO.
A nice grounddug mask goes for 300 Euro max.
All you further need is some leather and a old gasmask..and some time to do the job.
Things like this are killing the hobby IMO.

Jos.

[Jos L C]

..

[Erich B.]

Jos,
Is there an easy way to tell that the masks have been restored? Or a subtle way?
Thanks,
Erich

[Jos L C]

Yes,there is..
The straps are definately gasmask straps,they've 3 springs instead of 2 and the strap is obviously too wide.
Original straps are 19 mm while these are 23 mm.
The buckles on originals are smaller too,just like the metal loops which hold the small piece of leather on the "nose".
The part of the strap with the springs is much shorter on original straps.
The D-rings are not the originals.
The faceflap is added + wrong leather..
The tophook is fine,but the topstrap is not original.

These are "grounddug" masks IMO
Some of these masks have all kind of dents etc..
The faceflaps didn't survive,only a few,in bad state..
Straps didn't survive either.
Most of the time you'll always find these mask with gasmask straps,they're the best substitute.
Some masks did survive with a very faint BAL stamp,but the stamp on these are too much pronounced to be real and all the same quality.
6 masks are spotted sofar.
If someone likes to convince me these came outoff some original storage,don't hesitate..
I'm open for any discussion about this subject.

As I said,nice for display,nice job done,but much too expensive.

Here's a original mask..

Jos.

[Jos L C]

I think they started like this..

[Jos L C]

.,

[Gene]

Based on your first pic, that is some wonderful resorative work. Seeing as how a genuine mask would fetch an easy $3000, maybe those prices are realistic for such a piece.

[Jos L C]

C'mon Gene..

Would you want a restored/repainted "ss helmet" for $1500.- ?
Even with a original decal added..?

There was a English fellow selling restored fightermasks,remember ?
How about his prices..,they were less than these.

I've some grounddug items,I can fix them..,but would you pay $ 800.- for a fixed Farbbeutel ?
I guess not..
We can make it look better,even super,but it's not the real deal,but the prices almost are..that's the point.

Just my thought..

Jos.

[Gene]

There is no comparison between the one in the pic you provided and the one I was sold by Aircraft Militaria/Alex Downing/Dan Potts. This item looks professionally restored with a lot of work and attention to detail, hence the price. This is my last post on the subject, as I'm simply saying it looks like a beautiful rebuild.

[Jos L C]

There is no comparison between the one in the pic you provided and the one I was sold by Aircraft Militaria/Alex Downing/Dan Potts. This item looks professionally restored with a lot of work and attention to detail, hence the price. This is my last post on the subject, as I'm simply saying it looks like a beautiful rebuild.

Then I hope you will buy a better rebuild from me for the same price one day..
I've had one for sale once with even the right buckles etc.. for $ 450.- ,but noone seemed interested..,...BECAUSE it was a rebuild..
It's a funny world sometimes..



Jos.

[John Cooper]

Jos,

Thank you for this thread I was just starting down a path that was likely to lead me into some financial hardship and I would have ended up witha mask like the one you have mentioned above.

Your discription of the white BAL stamp was the part that got me. The mask I was considering is up for sale by a man many feel is an honest dealer (I have on reason to think he is not) but may have been fooled by this? You and Gene are aware of the person I speak.

At this point I am going into a holding pattern until further notice and would appreciate more information from you old hare's

Additionally I feel the information kindly listed by Jos i.e. the speifics of the exact strap size... would make excellent information for a project as the forums has for medals...

I can envision a .pdf file with pictures and information on how to tell an real mask from a repo, or from a restored mask. I am happy to assist in any way I can.

[Viscount]

Hi all,

I'm exposing my ignorance here,but what is a restoration?

I have a LW 02 mask and tubing. If I obtain an elastic strap and fit it does that count as a restoration? If so,should I declare the item as a restoration?

If I see an item for sale that is described as 'restored' I am less inclined to buy.

Another example,if I replaced the liner of a DD SS Helmet would that become a fake or a restored item?

Maybe the decision is in the eye of the beholder

Best Regards,
Robert

[Michael Kuligowski]

restored items are not fakes.. but still... are not too collectible .. at last for me .. I have one restoered helmet - it has replaced liner - and I love it too much to sell it (my first one .. ) - but i know that its real value is at last half oh the unmessed with M40.
The same story with restored badges (replaced pins ??).. equipment (resewn ??) etc - its good maybe for some starting collections... but still there is so many items to be find that I can afford to be picky and collect stuff that is untouched and I am satisfied with it

theser mask are a bit a more than "just restored" - if straps are made out of regular gasmasks.. - thats sucks.. (for castrated gasmask... of course..) - if stamps are added - thats a fakery....


Jos - thanks for the thread !!! I believe all Lw colletors still know what they are buing - this proofs again - You have to know what You are collecting