Iraqi M-59/Type 59 Gas Mask Set

This is a piece of history!

For your consideration is an Iraqi Army M-59 gas mask set. The set is in used, very good condition. The mask and filter are intact with no damage. The bag is faded and was marked by an Iraqi soldier. It has no holes and all the hardware is intact. This set also includes the Bakelite type container for decontamination kits and/or atropine injectors. The container is empty.

This mask is very likely a veteran bring-back from either Desert Storm or from the Iraq War. After the mass surrender of Iraqi forces during Desert Storm, the Iraqi bunkers and trench lines contained a cornucopia of equipment and materiel. Likewise, after the fall of Saddam's regime and the dissolution of his Army, there were vast military compounds in Iraq filled with weapons, equipment and uniforms. Souvenir hunters during OIF I and OIF II had their choice of discarded clothing and gear. Based on the dates on the mask and the date written on the carrier ("1991"), I believe this is probably a vet bring-back from Desert Storm.

The Iraqi M-59 gas mask (also commonly referred to as the Type 59) was a direct copy of the venerable U.S. Military M-9 gas mask. These were internally produced by Iraq. Iraq's military from the Saddam era was an interesting mish-mash of Western/NATO and Soviet weapons, gear and equipment. Many of the internally produced items were direct copies of well known pieces of gear from a range of militaries.