Vintage Polish MP4 Gas Mask with Complete Accessories and Carry Bag - Military Surplus
Discover this authentic Polish MP4 gas mask set, a highly sought-after item among military surplus collectors and enthusiasts. This complete set includes the original gas mask, spare filters, eye protection inserts, and a carrying bag, providing a full package, exactly as it would have been issued to personnel at its time of issue.
Features:
Authentic Polish MP4 Gas Mask
Model: MP4
Manufacturer: Maskpol, Poland
Era: Cold War
Complete Set of Accessories
Original filters (sealed in packaging)
Eye protection inserts (sealed in packaging)
Voice diaphragm inserts
Instruction manual (in Polish)
Spare parts container
Durable carrying bag with adjustable straps
Specifications:
Dimensions:
Standard adult size
Weight:
Approximately 1.5 kg (complete set)
Material:
High-quality rubber and metal components
Condition:
Excellent vintage condition, with minor signs of wear consistent with storage/ age. Accessories are sealed and unused.
History of the MP-4:
The MP-4 gas mask was one of many Eastern European clones of the M17 mask and was issued to the Polish People's Army.
It was later replaced in service by the MP-5.
The Polish MP-4 is an unlicensed clone of the US M17 gas mask series. The first known prototype models were made in 1970. These prototypes were made of dark brown rubber with dark colored eye lens frames and voice emitters. The rubber straps were made from the same type of rubber as the mask itself, featuring many small "checkmark" shaped embossings to correct seal. Only a few hundred pieces of these prototypes were produced, and today only two existing pieces are known.
From 1971-1972, a model known as the OM-MG-2 was developed, which was nearly identical to the final MP-4, except for having black eye lens frames and voice emitter. Some examples also had rubber straps similar to those from the first prototype series. The design was finalized in 1973, and production began the same year. Masks were issued to all branches of the Polish People's Army but did not see as much use as planned, with the SzM-41M and SzM-41M KF masks continuing to see heavy use. The MP-4 saw heavier use in the 1980s and early 1990s until it was mostly phased out by the MP-5.
The MP-4 had only minor changes from its American counterpart. The most notable differences are the lenses, which are slightly farther apart, the frames and voice diaphragm being silver, and the 'nose,' which is slightly less pronounced. First production models were made from olive-green rubber, but the mixture and rubber were changed to a grey color in 1983.
