RAF 1941 Pattern Mae West c/w dye pack

RAF 1941 Pattern Mae West c/w dye pack

Code: MW19188

SOLD

'Life-saving Waistcoat, Stole Inflated'.  Stores reference 22c/448. Size large. The cloth is in very good overall condition and retains good colour.  Aside from a couple of very small holes it is a bit grubby and has 'mottled' staining, this most noticeable on the front lobes.  The Mae West retains all leg straps, both grab handles, tying tapes and original buttons, inflation lever flap, lifeline and toggle, skull cap/heliograph pocket and flotation lamp pocket.   It also has the fluorescene flap/straps and very unusually, retains the rare original dye pack.  Interestingly this appears to be very similar to the type used by the USAAF and is marked 'COLORANT-COLOUR, TIREZ-PULL'.  There are several patterns of dye pack used with the 1941 pattern Mae West and this type might suggest AAF 8th or 9th AF use.  Either way, this is the original fitted pack and has not been 'added'. Good original Air Ministry marked brass zip.  WD broad arrow marked label. A very good '+' used example.  Stock code MW19188.