Code: MW27599
Jackets, Lifesaving No.1. 'Boddy' lifejacket manufactured by Life Savings Appliances Ltd., (1914) London. Patent No.13475/12. Regular sorties over and across the channel were potentially very hazardous to aircrew and private purchase lifejackets had been around for a few years before the RFC officially began considering their use. The Boddy lifejacket was invented in 1914 by George Mallory Boddy. Manufactured in khaki coloured cotton with four pairs of simple cotton tying tapes at the front and two adjustable webbing straps for adjustment at the back. To provide buoyancy the jacket is filled with kapok within the front and upper rear sections, the material being quilted to prevent internal clumping. The configuration of internal kapok was designed to keep the wearer afloat face upwards if they were brought down at sea.
This private purchase example predates formal adoption of the Boddy No. 5 jacket by the RFC in February 1916 (although it was restricted to air crew below 5' 9" in height). Condition is generally excellent. The material is excellent and very clean. Both rear straps are very good though the buckles have surface corrosion. The only downside is the loss of most of the front tying tapes*. With lovely original woven label. An extremely rare item and a must for any RFC collection. Stock code MW27599.
*We have left the tapes as found but we can replace them with new/replacement ones if the buyer would prefer. Please enquire if interested.
