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RAF H-type oxygen mask, WW2 dated

Code: O18738

Size medium.  Dated 3-45 (3rd quarter of 1945).  Extremely rare wartime dated example of this otherwise relatively common mask.  The rubber facepiece retains reasonable overall shape but has clearly been squashed in storage, is lopsided and the edges are curling inwards.  Whilst quite grubby it is generally very pliable aside from some hardening/perishing at the mask edges.  There is no notable cracking but the surface looks a bit like elephant skin with some surface 'crazing' when flexed.  The pearl grey suede lining is complete but rubbed/soiled.  The mask is fitted with a rather worn type 57 microphone assembly with a light tan coloured loom and the correct large 2-pin socket, type 614, 10H/18196.  Note the damage to the rubber sheathing at the upper end of the loom.  The mask's harness is soiled/faded and lacks elastication.  These late war H-masks are very difficult to obtain in any condition and are considerably rarer than the G-type mask.  This one would certainly benefit from careful cleaning but is still in fair used overall condition.   Stock code H18738.