MP-4

MP-4
Maska Przeciwgazowa 4
Olive and Grey MP-4s.
Preceded by	MUA
Succeeded by	MP-5
Filter	Internal Cheek Filters
Weight	0.838 kg, /w bag 1.232 kg
Made in	Poland
Period	Possibly 1960s to early 90s
Issued to	​ Ludowe Wojsko Polskie [Army]
Manufacturer	Maskpol

The MP-4 was one of many clones of the US M17 mask, and was issued to the Polish army. It was replaced in service by the MP-5

MP-4

The Polish MP-4 is one of the many Eastern Bloc clones of the famous US M17 mask series, however compared to its counterpart, the Czech M10.

Prototype models were first made in 1970, they were made of black rubber with silver eye lens frames, and voice emitter. In 1972, there were models known as the OM-MG-2. They're near identical to a normal MP-4, except for it having black eye lens frames, and voice emitters. The design was finalized in 1973, first production models being made from olive-green rubber. It wasn't until 1983 when they changed the mixture and rubber to a grey colour, albeit being a change to the mask in general, it still retained its name.

The MP-4 only had minor updates to the design, notably an experimental model referred to as the MP-4B featuring the drinking tube. The MP-4 is almost the same as its American counterpart, only differences being the colour of the rubber, the lenses are slightly farther apart, the frames on the lenses and voice diaphragm being a silver colour, as well as the "nose" being slightly less pronounced. The MP-4 usually came in different colours, olive-tan and grey were the most common. The older models of the mask in the green colour were made of somewhat a weaker material, the mask was later updated with the grey rubber, the mix used in the composition made it more durable. They ended production in 1990, which is when the MP-4B attempted to take its place.

MP-4B

MP-4B
Maska Przeciwgazowa 4B
Preceded by	MP-4
Succeeded by	MP-5
Prototype	Yes
Filter	Internal Cheek Filters
Made in	Poland
Period	1990
Issued to	Military (Experimental)
Manufacturer	Maskpol

The Polish MP-4B was an experimental gas mask that was rather short lived. Around the time it was produced, 1990 or possibly earlier, drinking tubes have became a necessity for military or civilian masks. It is practically an MP-4, with a drinking tube added to it. The mask was soon pushed aside, (as did the cheek filter design) for the superior MP-5 (which itself is a licensed copy of the French ANP-VP F1), then later, the newer MP-6. Now it is considered to be a somewhat rare piece.

The drinking tube on the bottom is covered by a cap, which can be threaded on and off, similar to the Israeli Model 4 and M15. It can also be moved around, the wearer could move the tube closer to their mouth, if desired.

The carrier that comes with the mask is similar to the M17's, except the MP-4B's is made of a rubberized material, (like the M10's) making it waterproof, effectively protecting the mask, and the contents inside the bag.

Bag

Later

Trivia

• Contrary to popular belief, MP-4Ms actually do not exist, nor has the voice emitter have actually been updated. It is just a regular MP-4 fitted with a cover to protect the original M17 style voice emitter.
• The mask was nicknamed the "Buldog" due to its appearance.

Gallery

How ThePolishMagyar's mask came. The outserts were already on, and the drinking tube isn't visible.

M17A1 compared to the M10M and MP-4B

MP-4's usually came in different colours. Olive Tan-ish and Grey were the most common. There is a more rare version made of a Black rubber.

Side of MP-4

Inside of the mask

Difference in colours of the straps on the head harness

Drinking tube connected to both the mask and bottle

Difference between the MP4 (left) and MP4B (right) voice emitters.

View of the exhale valve

Closer look at the drinking tube inside the mask

Production stamp (1990)

An odd stamp on the right filter. "W1"

Size indicator. Size 3 (Large)

The drinking tube with the cap threaded on

MP-4B with M6A2 hood.

A Polish soldier with an MP-4 during an NBC training exercise.

MP-4 (left) and MP-4B (right) front side of bag

MP-4 (left) and MP-4B (right) back of bag

MP-4 bag closed and open

MP-4B bag closed and open

MP-4 instruction (front)

MP-4 instruction (back)

Videos

Polish MP4B ( rare ) Gas Mask

148scalemodeling's review of the MP-4B

MP-4 Overview

ThePolishMagyar's overview video on the MP-4 series.

Reference

It seems the proper way to fit the filters is to flip the mask inside out. Which explains the mask's rubber feels flexible enough, as seen here: https://youtu.be/aeQ8XYSCMcA?t=110