For the first look the PDE-1 is another Eastern European clone of the US M17. However in reality Bulgaria didn't copy the M17, but got the license from Czechoslovakia, of the M10.
Mask overview[]
There are some differences between the two, the PDE-1 features a five-point rubber head harness, with just one strap on the top. As seen on the CM-4 (or Bulgarian PG-1) mask(s). The rubber straps are also numbered, similar to that on the straps for the PMK-1 series of masks. Its key difference is a peripheral seal. it's also worth noting that this is the only M17 derivative that ever featured a peripheral seal.
However, it seems that the PDE-1 never had an updated variant that featured a drinking tube. The mask itself is made of black rubber, possibly latex or butyl. The mask features a dark blue voice diaphragm and sometimes has the same dark blue or matte black frames for the eye lenses (this appears to vary on the masks). As mentioned above, this mask is nearly identical to the M10, meaning its filters and inlet valves are entirely interchangeable with one another, which leads to speculation that the mask might have been made in collaboration between Czechoslovakia and Bulgaria.
The Kit[]
The mask comes with a brown canvas haversack with green straps, which stores the mask itself, EFP-1 filters, anti-fog stick, and the outserts. The outserts are stored in a green elastic cover, almost similar to that of a Soviet filter sock. It's there to protect the outserts from becoming scratched during storage or when a new pair was issued to a soldier. The frame for the outserts also has the same aforementioned deep blue colour.
Green variant[]
a very rare green PDE-1 gas mask in size 2
A green variant of this mask was also made in very low quantities (maybe pre-production).
The only change of this version from the black one is the obvious rubber color and a green fabric 5 point head harness similar to the PG-1 s, date of manufacture is unknown on this masks since they don't have a date stamp molded into the rubber like the black counterpart.
Gallery[]
