US Military M17 Gas Mask Value Guide

The M17 Gas Mask is a quintessential piece of Cold War militaria, serving as the standard-issue protective gear for US forces from 1959 through the 1980s. Its iconic design, featuring internal cheek filters rather than a protruding canister, provided soldiers with an improved field of vision during the Vietnam War.

What Is US Military M17 Gas Mask Worth?

The typical price range for US Military M17 Gas Mask is $70 - $70 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Completeness of the set, including the original canvas bag, replacement filters, and anti-fog kits.
• The condition of the rubber facepiece, specifically looking for signs of 'blooming' or dry rot cracking.
• Historical provenance or markings indicating specific unit use during the Vietnam War era.
• Clarity of the plastic eyepieces, as yellowing or heavy scratching significantly reduces collector value.

How to Identify US Military M17 Gas Mask?

• Check for the distinctive 'cheek' filter pockets integrated directly into the rubber facepiece.
• Look for the US stamp and size markings (S, M, or L) molded into the rubber near the chin or forehead.
• Verify the presence of the original olive drab canvas carrying bag with 'US' stenciled on the front.
• Inspect the internal drinking tube and voicemitter, which were standard features on the M17A1 and M17A2 variants.

History of US Military M17 Gas Mask

The M17 gas mask was the standard-issue chemical-biological mask for the United States military from 1959 until the 1980s. It saw extensive use during the Vietnam War. Designed to protect against various chemical and biological agents, its distinctive integrated filters on the cheeks allowed for a wide field of vision, a significant improvement over earlier designs. It remains an iconic piece of Cold War military history.