US-132 Navy Modified Mark III Gas Mask 1942

I knew when I saw this gas mask at a local antique mall that I was looking at something special, and HAD to have it. It was labeled as a Korean War Fighter Pilot Oxygen Mask, and I got it for a steal at $80!

It took me a while to determine what exactly I was looking at. The attached tag was a big head start referencing the Diaphragm Mark III and IV, along with the giant USN stamped on the forehead.


The shape of the eyes told me it was a Mark III. However, it wasn't the typical Mark III gas mask. The normal gas mask has shorter hoses, which terminate into the canister. Mine was clearly modified. I finally found it on gasmasks.net (which is no longer in service). That site declared this particular mask Rare, and theorized it was modified in order to become a diving mask. The US Navy has a full website detailing adapting these gas masks into shallow water diving masks:

http://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/heritage/uniforms-and-personal-equipment/gas-masks-and-breathing-apparatus-us-navy-uniform.html

I also found a great photo set of another modified Mark III belonging to Rod Munoz:

https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/+RodneyMunoz-TheGasMaskCollector/albums/6009340454999622417?sqi=104028434719628628690&sqsi=3acd2fe9-37be-443f-a707-321442732c6f

So those are my sources for info, here are a couple more photos. Currently I have the gas mask hanging on my wall. I am very tempted to use it in some Cosplay as one of Ashley Wood's de Plume's as well.











Comments

Historic Preservations DC said…
I have the documentation on this mask please contact me
August 21, 2019 at 7:51 PM
Soja rinn said…
I could not track down your contact info on blogger. You can email me at jma79x gmail.
August 22, 2019 at 3:38 PM
donnaj edwards said…
Thanks for this. I really like what you've posted here and wish you the best of luck with this blog and thanks for sharing. Swimming Goggles with Power
December 11, 2020 at 10:46 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

2015 Ford Fusion Replacement Rear Deck Subwoofers

Image
I bought a used 2015 Ford Fusion Titanium earlier this summer and didn't realize one of my rear subs was blown until after purchase. The Sony replacement through my Ford dealer was $80 for ONE, which seemed a little high. I scoured the internet for hours trying to find an affordable/better replacement, which is harder than you think since the original Sony speakers (BG1T-18971-CA) are 2.3 ohms (30w). Evidently, 2ohm subwoofers are a rarity. I called a couple audio shops in town and they had never even heard of them! I also did not want to replace true subs with a 3 way speaker. Finally after hitting several forums, I found CDT Audio (http://www.cdtaudio.com) having the 6x9 2 ohm subwoofers I needed! I emailed and called to make sure I was getting the right stuff, and ordered a pair of official refurbished CL-69Sub/CF for $100 (and cheap shipping!) http://www.cdtaudio.com/sep_components/subwoofers/cl69subcf.php I got in my trunk and looked to see if replacing them myself was i
Read more

Kelly Martin Calahan

December 31, 1962 - March 8, 2008 It's been a pretty hard week. Thankfully, we were so close we could travel quickly and be with family this last week. It really didn't seem real until we got to her house, saw Lou, saw the kids. We all gathered so much strength to get through, to the point of exhaustion, but the pain never really leaves, just subdues. If it weren't for our deadline, we'd probably still be up there, because when the people leave, when the food stops coming, when the house is empty and silent is when things really hit and then settle like the silence: she's gone. The viewing was very hard; the virus took its toll, and the funeral home did the best they could, but it did not look like Kelly, did not look like my aunt. The memorial service was very cathartic; my dad the ever diplomat gave a great talk, along with Kelly's sister, co-workers, friends, and neighbors. There was no hyperbole in their sentiments, and you could hear Kelly putting the
Read more

Ikea Malm, Lack, & Expedit

Image
Things are finally settling down after 2+ weeks without a day off...anyway, here are the photos of our new furniture straight from IKEA. First is my office--new counter height project desk and 2 side mounted Lack Bookshelves: Our designer vinyl toy collection looks great in the living room on the Expedit Bookshelf: And finally the Malm bed and headboard:
Read more