Rare World War 2 item created by Walt Disney discovered after 80 years

A haunting and exceptionally rare wartime artefact created by the late Walt Disney was presented at a recent Antiques Roadshow in Portslade, East Sussex. The distinctive red, vintage “Mickey Mouse” gas mask was made for young children during World War 2.

This particular mask had been tucked away at the bottom of its original owner’s wardrobe, a child of the war, for more than eight decades. Dating to around 1941, the child-sized gas mask was manufactured for youngsters aged between two and five years old. Tragically, it was intended to appear less frightening, ensuring that young children would not be terrified to wear the potentially life-saving device.

It was produced in England by Happynak, a firm also recognised for manufacturing Disney-themed sand buckets. It was crafted specifically to resemble the well-known Mickey Mouse Disney character, popular during that period, to make what would have been a terrifying experience feel somewhat more reassuring.

The mask was presented at the Sussex roadshow by the daughter of a gentleman who had preserved it for over 80 years. Born in 1940, he was issued the mask by the Government as a small child and wore it from the age of two until the conclusion of World War 2 in 1945.

Astonishingly, he retained the mask throughout his lifetime, where it remained concealed at the bottom of his wardrobe for decades. It was only unearthed recently following his passing, when his daughter was sorting through the family home. Its original box displays the pencil inscription ‘Gas Mask’ written by the original owner as a child. Measuring roughly eight inches in height, the mask comprises a flexible rubber head covering with plastic eye lenses set in metal rims, fabric-covered elastic head straps and a metal filter base.

Significantly enhancing its appeal to collectors, the gas mask is still contained within its original cardboard box, complete with carrying strap. The lid displays the text: “The Special Respirator For A Small Child Is Government Property.”

The original instruction leaflet represents a particularly uncommon survivor and is rarely discovered alongside other existing examples. Happynak also manufactured a separate carrying canister for these masks, which this one possesses, and these are regarded as scarce amongst collectors.

WeBuyVintage specialist and television antiques expert Ishy Khan, who examined 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.”

Drawing influence, the USA also developed a Mickey-inspired gas mask in an entirely different design during the same wartime era. Ishy said: “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.”