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This article has many questionable information and is under research by many people. The current state is only good for starter collectors to understand the basics about this piece. Due to little information found on the C3, note that the info on this page could be false.
The C3 NBCW Protective Mask is a full-face respirator, with the earliest examples dating back to the 1960s, though evidence suggests they may have been around in the 1950s as well. The C3 was predated by the C2 (often confused with the C3), which was a further development of the Canadian LAG.
The C3 has evolved over its life but most of the core components remained the same. There mask changed several times during its service history. Small and large masks were based on the L2 facepiece (featured a rounded nose) of the LAG, while mediums/normals were based on the L2 facepiece (triangle shaped nose).
The early model of the C3 featured a new harness which was essentially the same harness of the LAG but made of a more durable and stretchy material. The Harness on the early models have yellow stripes whereas later models were just black. The stampings on this model did not state the manufacturer, all stampings had the letters CA, the production date and the size (Small, Normal, Large).
After this model, the traditional method of securing the container mount and valve holder, two wires tightened, snipped, flattened and covered by fabric tape, was replaced with the use of a special set of securing clips. The stamps on these models stated the manufacturer (VMC, GTR or Baron), the date and the size (Small, Medium, Large).
An additional model of C3 exists which possesses both a 60mm and 40mm thread much like the Dutch Model K and was made of butyl. It is assumed that these were used for export, some sources confirming that they were used by the Dutch.
Cite needed on virtually all of this.
Accessories[]
Carriers
The C3 was issued with 3 different carriers during its service life in the Canadian Army. All featured a large pocket for the mask and filter as well as a pocket on the front and a smaller one on the side to hold accessories.
- 51 pattern
This carrier was originally made for the C2, but was issued with the C3 as well. The front pocket on this was secured with a button, whereas the main and side pocket were held with straps. It could be attached to a belt or worn over the shoulder with a sling.
- 64 Pattern
The 64 pattern carrier was made of a water resistant rubber coated material. It had Velcro straps for faster access except for the front pocket which still used buttons. Early models could only be attached to the 64 pattern belt. However, later models reintroduced the shoulder strap which was removable if it was needed to be worn on the belt.
- 82 Pattern
82 pattern carriers were made of a better material than the 64 pattern carriers and had a new attachment system to fit the 82 pattern belt.
Filters
C1
The C1 filter was a replacement for the U.S made M11's used with the C2 mask and shared the same 60mm thread. The C1 (and the C2) are painted black and have turquoise stampings.
C2
The C2 filter was a further development of the C1. The C2 had a 40mm STANAG thread and was issued later in the C3's service along with a 60mm to 40mm adapter. These filters were also used on early C4's. The U.S produced these filters as well, with the only difference being stampings.
Accessories
The C3 was generally issued with decontamination wipes, chemical detectors, atropine injector(s), a spare filter and occasionally an instruction sheet.
Foreign variants[]
The Netherlands[]
Dutch Armed forces demanded new type of mask due to their inventory of obsolete masks such as K-52. Baron and General Tire Rubber Company exported this masks for further military use and civil defense for Netherlands.
The later Baron produced C3s had a black voice diaphragm cover and a different exhale valve
Some late models of Dutch C3's had glued 40mm adapter to filter port for expand the service life of this mask.
The Dutch line of C3 masks exists of 3 versions, 1 2 and 3
Version 1 is the standard Canadian C3
Version 2 is the standard C3 modified to the Dutch version with the black voice emitter material and exhale valve protector.
Version 3 is the standard Baron C3 as explained above
Denmark[]
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References[]
http://www.gasmaskforum.com/anybody-knowledgable-about-the-canadian-c3-mask-t638.html
http://mygasmaskcollection.blogspot.com/2008/06/gas-mask-collection.html