Original Item. Only One Available. This is a great sealed repacked M2-10A1-6 Lightweight Optical Gas Mask used during World War II.

In the late 1930s and early 1940s, the United States Military saw a need for optical respirators. Most in trial failed but one design saw use the M1 Army Optical series. The M1 optical was very similar to the Navy Diaphragm Series the only difference being the canister being rimmed on the M1, and the M1 having optical lenses, which had a poor field of vision but did the job of fitting with optics. The brow of the lens existed because it was adjustable for optics on certain ranging devices. The M1 optical series then saw use in the Navy as the Navy Diaphragm Optical (NDO). This Optical Design is no longer used today with the growing use of all-purpose masks.

In around the mid-1940s the United States Military replaced the M1 optical series with the M2-10-6 as the M1s were too bulky so they used a design derived from the current M3-10A1-6 lightweight service mask. The M2-10-6 was almost identical to the post war M2-10A1-6 but utilized an older Diaphragm Angle Tube Assembly Found on the M3A1 Diaphragm. The assembly consisted of an Older M8 exhale valve and plastic Diaphragm Cover. The M2-10-6 face pieces were made of a neoprene rubber due to the lack of natural rubbers during the war, though they still continued to procure

all examples out of neoprene post war. The face piece had side running tissot deflectors similar to the ShMS. (A Soviet copy) The mask was also equipped with a standard 686 mm (18-inch) M3 hose, M10A1 Service Canister, as well as a 6 point M7/M7A1 (depending on model) head harness. The Later M2-10A1-6 had an Updated C11 Diaphragm Angle tube assembly utilizing the updated C15 exhale valve.
The mask is still sealed in its repack box which measures 13 x 4½ x 8¾” and is stenciled on the front:

51.37.18
MASK, GAS, OPTICAL, L/W M2-10A1-6
1 EACH
LOT UNKNOWN
PACKED METHOD 1A-2
DO NOT OPEN EXCEPT FOR USE
OR INSPECTION
FED. SURP. PROP.
BLAIR-ALT. C.D.

As we have not opened the box we cannot give any more details, but we are certain this is what’s inside! It’s very difficult to find gear still sealed like this. As shown, the paper is very sticky and is tearing apart in many places. Comes ready for further research and display!