A rare World War II “Mickey Mouse” gas mask has been discovered after spending more than 80 years hidden away in a wardrobe.
The unusual item was brought to a WeBuyVintage antiques roadshow after being found among the belongings of its original owner.
Dating to around 1941, the child-sized respirator had been issued by the government to a boy born in 1940 and remained in his possession throughout his life.
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Following his recent death, his daughter discovered the gas mask at the bottom of a wardrobe while clearing the family home, as reported by What’s The Jam.
The wartime artefact was taken to a WeBuyVintage roadshow in Portslade, East Sussex, where experts identified it as a rare “Mickey Mouse” gas mask designed for children aged between two and five during World War II.
The mask was created to resemble the popular Disney character in an effort to make gas masks appear less frightening to young children.
Manufactured in England by Happynak, it features a flexible rubber head covering, plastic eye lenses housed in metal rims, fabric-covered elastic head straps and a metal filter base.
The original owner wore the mask from the age of two until the end of World War II in 1945.
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Remarkably, the item survives with its original cardboard box, which bears the pencil inscription “Gas Mask” written by the owner as a child.
It also retains its original instruction leaflet and carrying canister, both of which are rarely found alongside surviving examples.
WeBuyVintage specialist and TV antiques expert Ishy Khan, who inspected the item, said: “The piece stands as an evocative reminder of the lengths taken to protect children during wartime, illustrating how authorities and manufacturers sought to soften fear through reassuring, child-friendly design.
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“Surviving examples are extremely rare, so it was a surprise to see this brought into the roadshow.”
The lid of the original box carries the wording: “The Special Respirator For A Small Child Is Government Property.”
Ishy added: “Interest in these unusual wartime artefacts remains strong among collectors, highlighting the rarity and enduring fascination surrounding this distinctive piece of Second World War history.
“I have given it a conservative estimate of £30-£60 but its rarity could easily push the price up.”
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