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RAF 'flap-type' 1941 patt. Mae West

Code: MW21978

Manufactured by Howard Flint Ltd. of Avery House, W.1 London.  Stores reference 22c/448.  Size large.  Originally produced as one of the incredibly rare 'Flap-Types' but sadly modified with the removal of the flap.  Remnants of it can be seen where it was attached to the back of the mae-west and it also has the tell-tale press studs on either side of the waist to which the flap was fastened.  The cloth is in reasonably good overall condition.  The majority is perfectly sound but there is  minor damage to the front right (as worn) and some small holes to the rear - see photographs.  The Mae West retains good colour but has general soiling and some rust or dye-marker stains in places.  This is an early production model that was never fitted leg straps, grab handles, heliograph/skull cap pocket, flotation lamp pocket  or lifeline and toggle so familiar on most 1941 Mae Wests.  It has early solid brass buttons rather than the later plastic type and was fitted with a fluorescene flap/dye pack (now absent).  It also has the webbing tying tapes and inflation lever flap.  The zip fastener is corroded/broken.  With superb original label clearly dated 1941.  This example belonged to Spitfire pilot Flight Lieutenant R T Littlewood DFM and was recently sold by his son.  A couple of photocopied photos of the pilot will be included  in the sale.  A bit tatty/worn but a rare early variant with history.   Stock code MW21978.