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RAF 1932 Pattern Mae West Stole (Bladder)

Code: MW21547

Temperate pattern. This is the correct stole for the green 1932 pattern 'life-saving waistcoat' used throughout the Battle of Britain. Constructed from high quality 0.03" thick brick red sheet rubber made from first grade plantation quality rubber.  The joints are seamed with sealing strips. The inflation tube is constructed of thick solid rubber reinforced with 2 cotton fabric so as to be non-kinkable.  It has an external diameter of 5/8" and is fitted with a nickel plated brass mouthpiece with screw valve.  The overall appearance is good.  It is quite grubby in places but the rubber is very flexible and generally in very good condition. However, there is some cracking which is most evident at the 'shoulder' area with a little more at the bottom of the right lobe sealing strip - please study the photographs and note that these show the two cracked areas, each photograph going closer and giving more detail. Obviously the stole is considerably more fragile at these points but the rubber remains flexible. The oral inflation tube is good and flexible with working valve at the top.  An extremely rare and desirable item. Stock code MW21547.