Great 1943 Dated USAAF "Mae West" Type B-4 Survival Vest Life Jacket Complete & Supple

ARTIFACT: Great, 1943 dated United States Army Air Forces "Mae West" Type B-4 Survival Vest life jacket complete and supple. This example was produced by Firestone Co. and reads: "VEST: LIFE PRESERVER, TYPE B4 SPECIFICATION NO. 94-3135 DATE OF MFR. DEC 17 1943 STOCK NO 8300-978200 ORDER NO. W-33–092–TC289 THE FIRESTONE R. & L. PROD. CO. PROPERTY AIR FORCES, U.S. ARMY". The preserver is equipped with its original black rubber inflation hoses and two CO2 bottles attached to the vest with cords for inflation. It also features an adjustable, heavy canvas waist strap and one that secures the jacket through the legs, with steel closure.

VINTAGE: Circa 1943

SIZE: Approximately 26-3/4" x 11"

MATERIALS / CONSTRUCTION: Rubberized cloth, rubber, steel, canvas, ink, Bakelite, rope

ATTACHMENT: Steel hinged clip

MARKINGS: "VEST: LIFE PRESERVER, TYPE B4 SPECIFICATION NO. 94-3135 DATE OF MFR. DEC 17 1943 STOCK NO 8300-978200 ORDER NO. W-33–092–TC289 THE FIRESTONE R. & L. PROD. CO. PROPERTY AIR FORCES, U.S. ARMY", "e;F169"e;

ITEM NOTES: This is from a USAAF collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. MEJX16 LBGEX8/16 psBIEX8/16

CONDITION: 8+ (Excellent): The preserver shows minor to moderate wear, there is a small spot of separation under the neck (see photo) the parts of the life vest are complete and materials remain supple, overall excellent condition.