Very Scarce WWII British C4 Hospital / Asthmatic Hood Gas Mask / Helmet Respirator

A super rare gas mask not often seen on the market and comes complete with its original haversack and instructions for use.

The Ministry of Home Security describes the mask as 'The Helmet Respirator'. I believe this may also be known as a C4 mask, specially designed for people with respiratory problems. This hand pumped asthmatic gas mask was used for wearers whose medical conditions prevented them from using the standard issue civilian respirators. The concept of the gas mask was simple enough - the standard masks were tight-fitting and as such, prolonged wear could render the user incapable of being able to breathe. The design allowed the user to be protected by an enveloping cover, which could be kept at a positive pressure compared to that outside of the mask by virtue of the pump located on the front. The wearer could continue to breathe normally and be less prone to any actual attack, which, when using a normal mask, could force the user to remove the mask in panic.

The inner side of the cloth hood is also marked L & B.R. Co. and dated Jan 1940.

Condition: overall it's in very good condition for an item of this nature and age. The rubber is still soft and pliable. NOT to be worn due to harmful materials in the filters.

Weight: 1.51 kg.