WW2 RAF 41 PATTERN MAE WEST LIFE PRESERVER

WW2 RAF 41 PATTERN MAE WEST LIFE PRESERVER. The iconic wartime pattern Mae West as worn by the RAF, Commonwealth and even favoured by some USAAF airmen. 

A good condition 41 pattern Mae West life preserver jacket. It is lightly soiled from use, but no major stains or soiling to report. There is no damage to report as well to the yellow material, no rips, tears, or holes we can see. All 4 leg ties are present and accounted for, again without damage or issues to report. There is some verdigris and corrosion deposits on the press studs, especially on the inflation lever flap press studs. This Mae West never fitted with the torch pouch, we can see no evidence of one ever being fitted. No stitching holes are visible, so we would suggest this is maybe an earlier example never fitted with the torch pouch. The Mae West does have the dye pack flap and strap in place, it's slightly creased but nothing to worry about. The accessories pouch is again in good condition, the little stud has some minor corrosion and we would advise some caution if you want to open this. To the reverse of the neck the zip is still present and again has a light surface corrosion, but otherwise does work and slides nicely. It is manufacturer marked by "LIGHTNING". Inside the jacket the original label is still present, the manufacturer being "H. F. Ltd", marked with an A.M crown mark, contract number 5530, and marked size "LARGE". Overall a really nice used Mae West, ideal for any RAF/USAAF display, collection, or museum.

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