{"product_id":"original-wwii-u-s-navy-usmc-aviator-mae-west-pneumatic-life-preserver-dated-1945","title":"Original WWII U.S. Navy\/USMC Aviator “Mae West” Pneumatic Life Preserver-Dated 1945","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal World War II-era \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eU.S. Navy pneumatic aviation life preserver\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, commonly referred to by servicemen as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Mae West.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e This example is dated \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1945\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and represents the type of inflatable survival vest used by U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviators during the final year of World War II.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe vest is constructed from heavy dark rubberized\/neoprene material with the characteristic large horseshoe-shaped inflatable flotation chamber surrounding the neck and upper torso. It retains its original web straps, adjustment hardware, metal D-rings, lower securing straps, inflation fittings, and associated components.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal military stencil markings remain visible on the lower portion of the vest, including the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003edate of manufacture: 1945\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, along with additional contract and identification information. The markings are somewhat faded from age but remain visible and add greatly to the historical character of the piece.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese inflatable aviation life preservers became one of the most recognizable pieces of American WWII flight equipment. Their inflated shape led servicemen to nickname them the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Mae West”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e after the famous actress. They were issued to aircrew operating over water and were especially associated with U.S. Navy and Marine aviation in the Pacific Theater.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis example remains in good original display condition for its age. The rubberized material shows expected surface oxidation, staining, discoloration, scuffs, and age-related wear. The straps and hardware remain largely intact, making this a strong display example. The vest has not been inflated or pressure tested and is being sold strictly as a historical collectible, not as usable life-saving equipment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA desirable original piece of WWII American aviation equipment and an excellent addition to a U.S. Navy, USMC, Pacific Theater, flight gear, or military survival equipment collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43468170887245,"sku":null,"price":275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/9229\/8829\/files\/B0944BCA-3E46-48E5-B10B-AA15ADCAF4F2.jpg?v=1786803513","url":"https:\/\/whiskeyrebellionantiques.com\/products\/original-wwii-u-s-navy-usmc-aviator-mae-west-pneumatic-life-preserver-dated-1945","provider":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}