Code: S23397
'Suits, Flying, Buoyant'. Stores reference 22c/739, Size medium (Ht.5'7"-5'10", Br. 37"-39", Wt. 33"-35", St. 39"-41". Yellow one-piece double breasted safety suit designed to give maximum comfort, buoyancy in water and a certain amount of fire protection - supposedly without causing too much restriction of movement of the wearer. Produced in a heavy 'aerocord' material and designed to be worn with a flame-proof kapok liner along with flotation pads in knee and breast pockets and in the collar. Internal braces relieved pressure on the wearer's shoulders from the weight of the suit. Press studs and quick-release zip fasteners promoted rapid removal in an emergency. The material is in good '+' to very good overall condition. It does have a few small fray holes and repairs - mainly on the lower leg areas as shown in the photographs. None of these are serious and don't really detract much. The suit retains reasonably strong colour and is a bit soiled on the front but relatively clean to the rear. Yellow was chosen to aid visibility in the sea but wasn't the most practical colour for use within oily airframes. The extensive/long zips and other metalwork on these suits are prone to verdigris and corrosion but this one is unusually good. All zips are original, most being Air Ministry marked and all are in working condition complete with fabric puller tags. The lining appears to be good and the braces and Air Ministry marked label are present. This scarce later example is fitted with a flotation lamp pocket close to the right armpit ('lid' absent) and has remnants of the dye marker flap remaining at the waist. A good to very good example of what are now quite rare suits. Most that turn up are in very poor condition and filthy! Bulky and rather heavy. Stock code S23397.
