An eerie and ultra-rare wartime treasure created by the late Walt Disney was brought into a recent Antiques Roadshow in Portslade, East Sussex. The red, vintage “Mickey Mouse” gas mask was designed for young children during World War 2.
Discovery After Eight Decades
This particular mask was stored at the bottom of the wardrobe of its original owner, a war child, for over 80 years. Dating to approximately 1941, the child-sized gas mask was designed for children aged between two to five years old. Heartbreakingly, it was meant to look less scary, so that young children would not be afraid to put on the life-saving device.
Design and Manufacture
It was manufactured in England by Happynak, a company also known for producing Disney-themed sand buckets. It was designed specifically to resemble the well-known Mickey Mouse Disney character, popular at the time, to make what would have been a horrifying moment feel a little more familiar.
The mask was brought to the Sussex roadshow by the daughter of a man who had preserved it for more than 80 years. Born in 1940, he was issued the mask by the Government as a young child and wore it from the age of two until the end of World War 2 in 1945.
Preservation and Condition
Remarkably, he kept the mask throughout his life, where it remained tucked away at the bottom of his wardrobe for decades. It was only rediscovered recently following his death, when his daughter was clearing the family home. Its original box bears the pencil inscription ‘Gas Mask’ by the original owner as a child.
Measuring approximately eight inches tall, the mask features a flexible rubber head covering with plastic eye lenses housed in metal rims, fabric-covered elastic head straps and a metal filter base. Adding considerably to its collector appeal, the gas mask remains housed in its original cardboard box, complete with carrying strap. The lid bears the wording: “The Special Respirator For A Small Child Is Government Property.”
Rare Accessories
The original instruction leaflet is a particularly rare survivor and is seldom found accompanying other surviving examples. Happynak also produced a separate carrying canister for these masks, which this one also has, and these are considered scarce among collectors.
Expert Opinion
WeBuyVintage specialist and TV antiques expert Ishy Khan, who inspected it, 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. Surviving examples are extremely rare, so it was a surprise to see this brought into the roadshow.”
Taking inspiration, the USA also created a Mickey-inspired gas mask in an entirely different design during the same wartime period. Ishy added: “Interest in these unusual wartime artefacts remains strong among collectors, highlighting the rarity and enduring fascination surrounding this distinctive piece of World War 2 history. I have given it a conservative estimate of £30-£60 but its rarity could easily push the price up.”
