1936 Dated German Gas Mask&Canister

[odinfish]

Hello,

I have a 1936 German Gas Mask and Canister and I'd like some information on how to restore it.

The first questions that come to mind for the gas mask are: since the canvas of the mask is very stiff, is there any way of softening/restoring the pliability of the canvas? Also, is there any way to do the same for the rubber around the mask where the straps begin? The rubber is very hard and cracking in those areas...plus the rubber stripes elsewhere could use a bit more life as well...any suggestions?

The canister: overall it is in great condition with some rust of course, bit any tips from the pros and the reenactors for restoring (priming, repainting, etc) as well as the general upkeep of these items would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

[Edwin]

My advise.....leave it like it is ! Don't waste a original thing

Cheers

Edwin

[odinfish]

Thanks, but I want to put these items to use instead of collect dust and/or rot away.

[Michael Kuligowski]

there is no way to restore a rubber thats cracking - its a naturall ageing/drying process for rubber - and You will never use it again - without cracking the rubber tottaly ( destroying the mask..)

canister itself - dont do anything with it too - corrosion will not adavance anymore - if it will be kept in dry enviroment. Repainting or cleaning is sensless - its a historical artifact.... not a lunchbox

of course You can put it to use and destroy it - its Yours and You can do anything You want to..

[odinfish]

I appreciate your advice as well, but it still does not answer my questions. Personally I do not consider my intentions as destroying a piece of history but rather respecting it and increase its longevity. I live on the East Coast...the region of harmful humidity which demands that I protect against rust.

Mike

[odinfish]

Duplicate Post

[rick1]

Hi Odinfish, I also wanted to clean mine...it came to me with the canvas all dried and crinkled. They weren't rotted. I took them off gently soaked them in warm water squeezed them slightly, put them back on and hung the can by the straps until dry (overnight) the results: http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=163346
I got this from a buddy of mine who used to restore old canvas on cars. If the straps are real brittle and seemed rotten I would probably leave them...but mine came out great they are soft now and straight. I've had it over a year and I would have to say I've prolonged its life it even revealed 1937!

The can I wiped down with a little breakfree until the rust stopped coming off so much. Thats it. Some people say it does something to the paint. But Ive heard from the same fella it rehydrates the paint. I love the stuff and the long term results.Rick

The rubber, like Kuligow says forget about it.

[odinfish]

Thank you for the tips. It seems you mask and canister was in the same condition as mine. The canister straps, mask straps as well as the canvas on the mask itself is in excellent condition imo but very stiff. So for the canvas on the mask, are you suggesting that I submerse the entire mask in water? Please also understand that I would like to ensure the mask's functionality as well.

As far as the rubber is concerned, I read somewhere that some guys were putting some type of oil as a preventative measure against rot: not vegetable based as it rots as well and not petroleum based as it eats at rubber, etc. Maybe something that aids in protecting leather like Neatsfoot or Mink oil? I remember one reenactor went so far as to putting "Goop" that will bond to the rubber in a clear state. However, it is not my intention to alter the mask in such a way by adding a permanent foreign substance to it.

[rick1]

No not the mask, just the gas can straps. If you do it to the mask straps that is fine but I would not get the entire mask wet. When hung to dry your straps will be nice and straight. I left my mask alone although it is the early canvas type, the straps were fine.

[JPhilip]

...Please also understand that I would like to ensure the mask's functionality as well.

Hello,
what do you mean with the word "functionality", do you want to use it in a "gas room" with its original filter ?
regulation test in the german army at the times was ten minutes in the room full up of combat gas. Good luck....
ciao!

[CWP]

Another piece of history on the brink of senseless destruction at the hands of a reenactor... Such a shame.

[Michael Kuligowski]

are you suggesting that I submerse the entire mask in water?

- VERY bad idea !!! it will kill leather face part, and inside rubber !!!! Leave it like it is... seriously

As far as the rubber is concerned, I read somewhere that some guys were putting some type of oil as a preventative measure against rot:

- rubber is not rottening.. its chemically DRYING (vapourizing), germans used talc to preserve rubbber - in few originall sets I obtained over the years - gasmask - especially the rubber model - was all covered in talc.
Some years ago I tried to gently apply some machine oil on leather parts - makes good first impression - but trust me - wont work.

the only way to preserve rubber on masks - is keep them closed just as they are in a can. I dont keep my masks on display - because over the years they are drying and rubber is cracking - all my masks are now in their cans (witha bit of talc.. ) - to keep them in good condition for next generations...

[Edwin]

Thanks, but I want to put these items to use instead of collect dust and/or rot away.

You might be at the wrong forum than. I, and I know many others here are collectors.

regards,

Edwin