WW2 Original U.S. USAAF Crewmen Model B-3 Mae West Vest Life Preserver Dated 1942
SKU: 414
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: Air Cruisers Inc.
Year Manufactured: April 1942
Serial Number: See Stamps
Model: B-3
Markings: L.T. Chapman, 1942, Contract Number, Government Number, Serial Number
Construction:
Condition: Excellent
Price: $300.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: DG-100
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description:
This original World War II U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) B-3 “Mae West” life preserver vest received its date stamp in 1942. This vest has multible testing dates stamps and the crewmen's name L.T. Chapman on the straps.
History:
The B-3 life vest served as essential survival equipment for aircrewmen operating on water missions across European and Pacific Theaters during World War II. The B-3 life vest consisted of yellow rubberized canvas materials which could be inflated through CO2 cartridges or manual oral inflation tubes. The vest maintains its original metal components which include inflation valves together with buckles and securing straps. The interior contains original stenciling together with clear wartime contract markings that show both the 1942 date and “Bureau of Aeronautics” designation. The inflated appearance of this vest led servicemen to call it the "Mae West" which became a famous piece of USAAF flight equipment during World War II. The example demonstrates authentic period wear that matches its age and usage but it remains well-preserved which makes it an excellent addition for collectors of WW2 aviation memorabilia and U.S. military history. A genuine artifact from the Second World War skies bears its 1942 date stamp.
