This is an exceptionally rare and museum-grade World War II British Hospital Respirator, dated 1943, offered in 100% original, complete, and outstanding condition.
This respirator was specifically designed for bed-ridden patients and hospital use, allowing immobile casualties and patients to receive full respiratory protection during a gas attack. Unlike standard civilian or service respirators, this model incorporates an integrated protective hood with a large panoramic visor, enabling continuous medical observation while ensuring complete protection of the respiratory system, head, and upper torso.
Rarity & production
This is the rarest of all British civilian respirators.
Only approximately 36,000 examples were produced from 1943 onwards, making surviving originals exceptionally scarce—especially in fully complete condition as seen here.
Intended use & historical context
Hospital respirators like this were issued to:
- Civil Defence hospitals
- Emergency medical wards
- Facilities treating bed-ridden or critically injured patients
- Medical staff operating in chemically contaminated environments
The design reflects Britain’s deep concern over the potential use of chemical warfare agents against civilian infrastructure. These respirators ensured that even the most vulnerable patients could survive a gas attack without evacuation.
Condition
This example can accurately be described as mint:
- Fully intact respirator, hood, visor, hose, and filter assembly
- Rubber remains supple and undamaged
- Fabric and canvas components are complete with original stitching
- Clear, undamaged visor allowing full facial visibility
- Original cords, eyelets, and securing points present
- Clear wartime markings and 1943 date visible
No missing, replaced, or post-war components — a truly textbook example.
Key features:
- Authentic WWII British Hospital Respirator
- Specifically for bed-ridden patients
- Dated 1943
- Only 36,000 produced from 1943 onwards
- Rarest of the British civilian respirators
- 100% complete and original
- Museum-quality condition
This respirator represents a powerful and rarely seen aspect of Britain’s wartime civil defence system, highlighting the lengths taken to protect even the most vulnerable during the Second World War.
A top-tier collector’s piece, suitable for advanced collections, museum displays, or serious historical study.
