The Historic Flying Clothing Company Tel: 01332 345729
Email: david@historicflyingclothing.com
Web site: https://www.historicflyingclothing.com/

RAF Type E* oxygen mask

SOLD

Code: O24943



Stores reference 6D/473.  This is the later variant of the E-mask complete with anti-suffocation/inspiratory valve and an elasticated webbing harness in place of the earlier leather types.  The rubber facepiece is generally very supple but there is some hardening at the edges.  Whilst there is no major cracking, the rubber has much surface crazing with small cracks and minor loss at the edges of the facepiece.  There appear to have been two different rubber compounds used to produce the E*.  One is more rigid and has a shinier finish, the other is much softer, more flexible and has a dull/matt finish.  This is the latter and whilst the overall shape is reasonable (much better when packed with acid free tissue paper), the edges are curling inwards a bit and the conical tube c/w alloy pipe/valve is somewhat off-set through storage.  This is a common occurence and can often be rectified with time (ask if you need to know how to do this).  The webbing harness is complete though lacks elasticity and is a bit stretched/faded.  Fitted with a type 48 microphone assembly in good condition bar fraying at the end of the loom and the lack of plug.  Please note that this mask is guaranteed to be 100% original and should not be confused with the 'hybrid' masks that have been offered elsewhere in recent years.  Those have original metalwork and harnesses but brand new/reproduction rubber facepieces and linings.  A reasonably good used example of this type of mask.  Stock code O24943.