Isreali No 4 Gas Mask
Manufacturer: Shalon Chemical Industries, Tel Aviv.
Under License From: Drager, Lübeck, Germany
Model: No 4. (Based on the Drager simplex gas mask.)
Filter: 40mm NATO filter
Country: Isreal
Year: 1969?
Condition: Used - good condition
Price: £9.99 + £2.95 shipping
Vendor: private eBay seller
Shipped from: UK
First impressions
The Isreali made No. 4 gas mask has been on my hit list of collectables for a long time now. Despite there being millions of the damn things floating around the global ebay not many appear to float near UK shores.
The last time i saw one of these it was over £25 + £20 shipping from the US. I'm not paying that kind of money for a mask which is equivalent to the Russian GP-5 in terms of the vast numbers produced.
I wasn't expecting to find another on UK eBay anytime soon but thankfully this specimen came around.
I ended up winning the mask for £9.99 + 2.95 shipping which seemed a good enough deal to me.
Features a strange white coloured valve protector
The package duely arrived to much anticipation.
Inside was the original cardboard box full of Hebrew text and looking a little tatty around the edges.
Inside was the mask with the filter tucked neatly inside. The filter actually sits inside a white frame. This allows for it to be stored inside the mask without the metal parts rubbing and scratching against the plexiglass eye pieces. A clever little space saving idea if i do say so.
Also tucked inside the bottom of the box was a set of Hebrew instructions.
A nicely made mask
A little bit about the Isreali No4
Isreal is one of those places on earth which has been under the constant threat of attack for decades. This potential threat has come mainly from the Arab militants of hesbola but during the first gulf war the upgraded 4A1 was distributed in vast numbers against the threat from Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq.
Recently the isrealis have been stockpiling these masks in the event that the Assad regime in Syria decide to attack. Tensions are high in the middle East with Isreal seemingly in the middle of things.
The later version called the 4A1 features an upgraded valve system and added drinking straw. These later models seem to be easier to obtain.
The face piece
The No 4 mask is very well made. The rubber is thick and hard-wearing, similar to the rubber used in other Drager masks.
Assuming this mask is from 1968 the integrity of the rubber is like new considering it's age.
There are no signs of cracking or perishing around the edges as you might expect.
The fundamental elements of the mask are in excellent working order with the exception of the left eye piece which has a strange bubbling texture in the corner. As the eye pieces are made from plexiglass i suspect the defect is caused by a reaction with the plastic.
Medium size and the Shalon company logo
The Filter
Interesting filter holder
When i first saw this strange white plastic frame thing i thought it was a mask former. Included in the kit to help the mask keep its shape when not in use. This could still be the case but it seems the main purpose of the plastic frame is to hold the filter in place during storage and transportation. With the filter sat within the frame it can easily be stored inside the mask saving valuable space in the cardboard box.
The Drager manufactured Zivilschutzfilter 68 filter
The filter supplied here is an old Drager made 40mm can which was still new and sealed. The true age of this filter is unknown but there is a good chance it was made in 1969. The more recent A41 masks are supplied with small grey coloured filters.
I have not idea if this filter contains Asbestos or not? If its as old as 1969 it could very well have but I'm not taking any chances. (not as though i plan on using it often)
Instructions in Hebrew only
Lurking at the bottom of the box was this instruction pamphlet. It is very well detailed with some great illustrations but unfortunately i don't speak Hebrew. I'm hoping the internet may turn up an English translation but nothing so far.
Overall I'm quite impressed with this mask. It's well constructed and looks the part too.
In comparison with other similar style masks this one is up there with the best. Getting the mask on and off is really easy and pain free. No nasty scalp and hair grabbing here. I can imagine this mask would be very comfortable to wear over a long period of time.
It's really hard not to like it!
Rating: ✅✅✅✅4 out of 5
The only problem with this mask is the tatty cardboard box. The mask itself is really well made and looks like it could last for a long tim. Drager are reknown for their quality masks and this example is no exception.