SKU: 50026934452

Original U.S. WWII Navy (Blimp) Rebreather Aircraft Breathing Apparatus + Mask & Oxygen Generating Cannister

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Description

Original U.S. WWII Navy (Blimp) Rebreather Aircraft Breathing Apparatus + Mask & Oxygen Generating CannisterDeveloped in late 1930's by Mine Safety Appliance (MSA), these oxygen regenerating systems provided dirigible aviators with necessary flow of oxygen at higher altitudes. Used with USN C type breathing mask and Chemical cylinder both of which are included. This is a fascinating piece of history, high altitude bombing in late WWI with German zeppelins and allied blimps lead to the discovery that maintaining ships higher than 16,000 feet for four hours

Developed in late 1930's by Mine Safety Appliance (MSA), these oxygen regenerating systems provided dirigible aviators with necessary flow of oxygen at higher altitudes. Used with USN C type breathing mask and Chemical cylinder both of which are included.

This is a fascinating piece of history, high altitude bombing in late WWI with German zeppelins and allied blimps lead to the discovery that maintaining ships higher than 16,000 feet for four hours or more caused severe headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Crew members became exhausted and gasped for air. They grew inefficient, apathetic, and collapsed at their posts. To help resolve the situation the German navy began issuing bottles of compressed oxygen. The problem was that the breathing apparatus that regulated the gas flow was extremely primitive and the oxygen was contaminated with glycerin and other impurities. Crew members who used it experienced nausea for days afterwards. The U.S. knew there must be a better way.

This Oxygen Breathing Apparatus for Aircraft Use manufactured by the MINE SAFTEY APPLIANCES CO of Pittsburgh, PA was the better way. Generally issued to pilots and crew members of U.S. Naval Non-Rigid Airships (blimps) these re-breathers were an essential component of every mission. The United States was the only power to use airships during World War II, and the airships played a small but important role. The Navy used them for mine sweeping, search and rescue, photographic reconnaissance, scouting, escorting convoys, and antisubmarine patrols. Airships accompanied many oceangoing ships, both military and civilian. Of the 89,000 ships escorted by airships during the war, not one was lost to enemy action.

The United States Navy's development and use of rigid lighter-than-air craft, such as the dirigibles of the 30s (USS Macon, Shenandoah, et al), imposed special concerns related to provision of oxygen systems for dirigible crews, since these craft could rise to higher altitudes and remain there for extended periods (unlike contemporary airplanes). Ordinary weight restrictions applicable to heavier-than-air craft (airplanes) were not quite as constraining to dirigibles, consequently the weight of oxygen generating systems were not as much a concern. In the latterly 1930s The US Navy, in cooperation with the Mining Safety Equipment Company (MSA), developed a portable oxygen generating & rebreathing apparatus that would provide and sustain oxygen provision for dirigible aircrews if required for higher altitude flight. This system, which was constructed of aluminum and painted "oxygen green", used a chemical oxygen generation process that would provide an aircrewman with aviation grade oxygen for a specific period of time, when used in cooperation with a demand type valve. The standard US Navy system incorporated the Navy's "C" oronasal breathing mask that could be secured to the head with a strap suspension. By the early 1940s this system was also in standard use on US Navy non-rigid 'blimps'. Above Reference information from: lanset.com

This example appears to be unissued and is well marked with USN (U.S. Navy) anchor. Re-breathers were used in all high altitude flights including the legendary bombing runs of the B-17 Air fortress, however, these system were tied directly into the aircraft, but it was not unheard of for crew members to have a reserve transportable system such as this one.

Specifications:
Height: 15"
Length: 12"
Width: 4"
Weight: 5 lbs

Everything in the photographs are included with your purchase… apparatus, hose, mask, leather helmet liner, mannequin head, acrylic stand, canister, container, spare parts bag, and parts. 

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SKU: 50026934452

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kathy rozanski
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
RayBans
Color: Black/Dark Grey, Lens Width: 65 Millimeters
Always lived RayBans....order the same kind everytime I need new ones
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Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2026
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Mindy S.
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 3
Not exactly as described
Color: Havana/Brown Gradient, Lens Width: 65 Millimeters
These run large. Was not expecting that.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2026
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ASRC
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
For your big head instead.
I bought these in anticipation of my upcoming lasik procedure. These things look great and the seller even included a cleaning kit in box. As someone who is 6'3" with a larger head, these sunglasses are snug without being uncomfortable. I actually love that since my current prescription sunglasses are so loose on my head that they can fall off during light activity or when I sweat. Now that I have my pick of the litter with sunglasses, I could not be happier with the money I spent on these and the quality that comes with them.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2026
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marie english
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Great glasses
Color: Black/Dark Grey, Lens Width: 65 Millimeters
Love them. Fit perfectly. Most important, it really blocks the strong sun rays.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2026
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Larry G
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
TOM CRUISE, EAT YOUR HEART OUT.
Color: Black/Dark Green Polarized, Lens Width: 65 Millimeters
Superb product, delivered on time. (NOTE TO SELF: Get the polarized version next time)
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Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2026

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