The SzM-41 KF is a Polish gas mask (MUA is a name given to a kit for industrial purposes) which probably started use in 1966 and was used till the late 1980's. It is very similar to the ShM-41M.
Mask[]
Like it's Russian counterpart, the SzM-41M KF was made of rubber with circular eyepieces. This mask has beed produced in four variants. First one has been produced probably only in 1966 and 1967. Second one, produced only in 1968, differs from the others by having much bigger voice diaphragm, identical to the one used in polish MP-4 masks. This variant was designed for military radiotelegraphists. Third version has been produced in 1970s and early 1980s. The last version ran from late 70s till the end of the production. Except for the radiotelegraphists' version, they were nearly identical. The only noticable difference being the voice diaphragm. First and third variant also had an additional feature inside the mask, a very small funnel-shaped rubber cup. User's mouth was meant to sit in that cup to transmit the voice straight to the voice diaphragm. All of SzM-41M KF voice diaphragms had differed significantly from the Russian emitters because of its size and shape.
Filter[]
The mask had a 40mm GOST thread that was connected to the filter by a black hose. The filter itself was a green, circular style filter designated E-014, similar to the Soviet EO-12.
Bag[]
There were at least several patterns for the SzM-41M KF gas mask bags. They differed in the material used (in the camouflage pattern wz 58 rainy, brownish, greenish or gummed) and details (additional waistband or straps regulating the bag's width). In the mid-1980s, cotton belts were replaced with stylon belts. At the end of the 1980s, bags of green gummed material, the same as in the MP-4B mask bags, began to be produced.
Typically military bags have loops for carrying the bag on the belt. For civil defense and industry, bags were produced with a waist belt to stabilize the bag during the works (however, military bags were also directed there).
Most common gas mask comes with two paint variants: Light green and Camo wz. 58 "Deszczyk". It was meant to be carried on the shoulder but due to the lack of a chest belt and its height, soldiers used to carry it on their backs. The bag is divided into three sections on the inside, each one meant to carry a different part of the kit. It also has one small pocket on the side, for an IPP-51 or medical supplies.
Use[]
The SzM-41M KF mask was used by all Polish uniformed formations: Polish People's Army, Milicja Obywatelska (civil militia- polish police in PRL), Civil Defense of the People's Republic of Poland. Additionally, it was used in the chemical industry and factories.
A certain number of SzM-41M KF masks went to Egypt, probably in the 70s, together with the SzM-41M masks. SzM-41M KF gas masks were used by the Egyptian army and the police.
Trivia[]
The MUA is often called Słoń - "elephant" due to the rubber pipe that looks like an elephant's trunk.
Gallery[]
