Original 1973 Dated 'Waistcoat Life-Preserver Parachutist'

An original British 'Waistcoat Life-Preserver Parachutist' which was made by 'Beaufort' in 1973. 

This pattern of life jacket was produced for a number of years with this being both an early and very complete example. The main body of the jacket is made up of a waistcoat which features a plastic press stud system which opens when the life jacket is inflated to reveal an orange coloured interior. The exterior is olive green for camouflage purposes with the interior being bright for identification in water. There is a grab handle to the left hand side of the waistcoat and the original CO2 bottle is still present adjacent to this inside the jacket. There is a webbing harness attached to the waistcoat which holds the jacket onto the wearer's body and can be adjusted with various buckles. The rear of the waistcoat features a zip which allows access to the interior and the bladder which is fitted inside. This features an 'NZ' branded nickel plated zip puller which has been stitched to the body of the jacket to stop it from being opened which is a nice original period feature. 

Inside the waistcoat there are two labels. The uppermost is the issue label which bears the title of 'Waistcoat Life-Preserver Parachutist'. The date of manufacture is marked as March 1973 below which is the War Department broad arrow marking. A second label is also present which bears the maker's name of 'Beaufort' who were a prolific manufacturer of this type of equipment for the military for a number of years. 

The overall condition of the item is excellent with some signs of wear and use. It displays very well and appears to be complete but is of course sold strictly as a display piece only. Please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that it is a vintage, pre-worn item which may have small flaws commensurate with age. 

A nice original example which is very complete and has a good clear date.   

This is a vintage item which is 'sold as seen'