RAF 1941 pattern Mae West, Flap Type c/w dye pack

RAF 1941 pattern Mae West, Flap Type c/w dye pack

Code: MW22440

SOLD

'Life-saving Waistcoat, Stole Inflated'.  Stores reference 22c/448.  Size large.  The cloth is generally in excellent condition bar a couple of small fray holes on the upper part of the left lobe as shown.  It retains good colour and is really very clean with only light marking and small stains.  Complete with all leg straps although one is frayed.  It also retains both grab handles, tying tapes and original buttons, inflation lever pocket, floatation lamp pocket, lifeline/toggle, skull cap/heliograph pocket and fluorescene flap/strap.  Very unusually this example is fitted with the original rubberized fabric dye pack, properly sewn in place.  Whilst it is difficult to examine this insitu, it is of the type normally seen on USAAF lifevests which might suggest this was issued to an 8th or 9th AAF airmen in the UK.  Excellent original 'Lightning' zip.  It is also fitted with brass 'D' rings for attachment of a dinghy lanyard.  Although this Mae West is complete with a lovely Air Ministry 'Flap Type' label it was never manufactured as one.  It would have been produced soon after they were discontinued in April 1942 and the manufacturer was simply using up existing labels.  Small faint post WW2 inspection stamp on the inside as shown.  A very good to excellent used example.  Stock code MW22440.