This is a British child’s “Mickey Mouse” style civilian gas mask, produced for civilian and civil defence use and closely associated with the British Home Front during WW2. The distinctive cartoon-style design was introduced during WW2 to reduce fear and encourage children to wear respirators as part of air raid precautions.

The rubber facepiece was manufactured by Avon Rubber and carries internal markings including “AVON 5-40”, along with additional mould and tooling codes. These markings are in a format associated with early 1940s Avon production and are consistent with British respirator manufacturing practices of the period. Such markings are generally understood as manufacturer and tooling references rather than definitive issue dates.

This example is accompanied by its original cardboard storage box, a scarce survival that adds important Home Front context and display appeal. Cardboard boxes of this type were intended for civilian storage and transport and are far less commonly encountered than the masks themselves.

A highly recognisable Home Front item, this piece represents Britain’s civilian air raid precautions and the measures taken to protect and reassure children during wartime and its immediate aftermath.

The condition of the box is fairly good, with some rounding of the corners but, no real rips or tears. The original strap is in place and in good condition. As for the mask itself, there is some minor cracking (see photos) on the rubber. However, the filter is in very good condition, all the markings are nice and clear and overall, the rubber is nice and soft. Supple too. The elastic straps still have plenty of spring in them too.