Cold War Crap
Hungarian 70M Gas Mask
Price: £9.00 including shipping
Manufacturer: state factories
Country of origin: Soviet Union/Hungary
Model: SHMG (70M kit)
Other names: "Nerekhta" Противогаз Малогабаритный SHMG /PMG
Year: 1991
Production run: 1971 - 1991
Condition: very good / like new
Vendor: private seller on eBay
Shipped from: UK
First impressions
As the Soviet PMG (SHMG) is one of the more interesting looking gas masks (in my opinion) I thought it was time I bought one.
If I'm not mistaken this mask featured heavily in the half-life 2 video game from years ago.. A very distinctive and memorable mask.
During the cold war the Soviet union as well as Hungary used this kit. I'm unsure as to whether this mask made it to Poland or Czechoslovakia. Only Russian and Hungarian masks seem to be available.
Production ran from 1971 until 1991 and the fall of communism.
These PMG kits were issued to the Soviet and Hungarian military.
Doing a bit of research and I found that this type of mask normally sells on eBay around the £12-£15 in various conditions.
I saw this little bundle going for under £10 and thought I had myself a bargain on my hands.
The package arrived in record time which is always nice.
Packaging on the outside of the item was very good with no signs of damage.
Inside was a quality green army haversack, the 70M face piece and a modern NATO 40mm filter can (still sealed).
Haversack
The carrier is really well made. Probably the best haversack I have seen so far.
It's made from a tough green canvas with various straps and clips for securing to clothing.
The haversack is secured by a press stud at either end and a fastening clasp in the middle. Everything seems to stay put. Nothing falls out of the bag.
This is the wrong filter!
The Filter Can
Those of you who are paying attention will notice that I don't infact have the genuine correct filter to go with this face piece.
It should have the green Soviet E0-18k filter but instead the eBay seller sent me a brand new and sealed NATO 40mm type. - The same black one that is fitted to the British S10 mask as an example.
This is not such a big deal on the face of it. This NATO filter is still sealed and was only manufactured in 2005 - it should still be ok to use. I can either keep it for another 'project' or sell it?
I'm currently all out of small green Russian filters so I can always order myself another to go with the mask.
Why don't you use the NATO filter?
As I have mentioned in previous posts, the NATO 40mm screw thread is not quite the same as the Soviet 40mm screw thread.
They look the same but are a pain in the arse to fit when you mix the two types together.
My last attempt at attaching a NATO filter to a Soviet mask was a disaster. The filter would not line up straight when I was turning it in the opposing thread. It took a while to come up with something that looked like it fitted but in the end it just didn't look right?
Differences between the Soviet and Hungarian versions
Both the Soviet PMG and Hungarian 70M face pieces are Identical except for the voice diaphragm. - The Hungarian version has a smaller holes than the Soviet and more of them.
This Hungarian voice diaphragm looks like the end of a watering can while the Soviet version reminds me of the plug hole in the sink.
Soviet PMG
Hungarian 70M
When and what size?
Size 4 and dated 1991
My face piece seems to have been from the last year of production.It's a size 4 which usually means large in Soviet masks.
As I normally fit in a size 3 I thought this mask would bury me!
On the contrary, it seems to fit quite well with plenty of room inside. It's certainly not restrictive on the face in any way.
Compared to an MUA mask it's much more comfortable.
Some of this added comfort is down to two innovations....
Air vents and ear mouldings
1. Air Vents
Air vents are a rare feature in the Soviet 'swimming cap' rubber hood world.
Not only do they help to keep the head cool but they also help when it comes to taking the mask on and off. They seem to relieve a bit of the pressure on the hair and scalp.
A neat idea
2. Ear Mouldings
Not only do these ear shaped mouldings help with a nice comfortable fitting, they also allow the user to hear more through the mask as the rubber is slightly thinner there.Interesting
Stick a hose in the side....
Overall I'm very happy with this mask, the fact that it didn't come with the correct filter is a bit of an inconvenience, but the E0-18K filters are easy enough to find on eBay. Other than the filter, this kit is great. I might keep this mask I like it a lot.
Rating: ✅✅✅✅✅ 5 out of 5
As far as creepy looking masks go, this Hungarian specimen is one of the best and most memorable.
I really like the look and feel of it. It's freakin cool!
Half life 2 fans will be wanting one of these I'm sure.