WWII U.S. Army Air Forces Type B-4 Life Preserver Belt (Dual Type) with Original Packaging

For sale is an authentic WWII-era Type B-4 Life Preserver Belt, a vital piece of survival equipment issued to U.S. Army Air Forces and Navy personnel during the Second World War. This “Dual Type” life preserver, designed for airmen and sailors, features two inflatable tubes with CO2 cartridges for emergency flotation in water. The belt is marked with clear instructions: “SQUEEZE ARROWS TOGETHER WITH A HARD QUICK GRIP AND RELEASE” and “TO INFLATE,” ensuring ease of use in high-stress situations.

During WWII, the Type B-4 life preserver was standard issue for airmen flying over water on bombing missions in the Pacific and Atlantic theaters, as well as for sailors on ships or submarines. It was a critical lifeline for those who faced the constant risk of ditching their aircraft or being stranded at sea after their vessel was sunk. The dual-tube design provided redundancy—if one tube failed, the other could still keep the wearer afloat—offering a chance of survival in the open ocean while awaiting rescue. Often paired with other survival gear like emergency rations and signaling devices, this belt played a key role in the U.S. military’s efforts to protect its personnel in some of the war’s most perilous conditions.

Manufactured by the Master Tire and Rubber Corporation in Findlay, Ohio, under contract number W-33-034-TC-27, this life preserver comes with its original cardboard packaging, which is labeled “ONE LIFE PRESERVER BELT (DUAL TYPE)” along with the contract details. The belt shows signs of age and wear, with some discoloration and minor fraying, adding to its historical character, while the box has some creasing and tears but remains intact and legible.

This Type B-4 life preserver is a tangible piece of WWII history, reflecting the ingenuity and mass production efforts of the U.S. war machine. It’s a perfect addition for collectors of military antiques, aviation history enthusiasts, or anyone interested in the survival gear that helped save lives during the war. Don’t miss the chance to own this rare artifact with its original packaging, a true gem for any WWII collection.

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