Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The M1926 inflatable flotation belt was used as a life preserver by assault troops during amphibious actions and beach landings. However, it was somewhat complicated to produce, with a lot of parts, and required the use of C02 canisters, so a simpler flotation belt was developed during WWII for use during amphibious landings.
This type of belt, like the M1926, is particularly known for use during the D-Day landing on the Normandy beaches on June 6th, 1944.
The belt is dated and manufacturer marked in ink (partly faded):
DATE 11 30 43 CONTRACT No. NXSS29299
THE OHIO RUBBER COMPANY
The inside of the belt shows a U.S. NAVY marking. The instructions for the belt are stamped on the exterior, and there is a canvas strap with simple clasps on the end to secure it to the body.
Interestingly, this particular belt was at some point modified to use the same CO2 canister inflation system seen on many of the other life preservers of the WWII Era. This was definitely done at arsenal, and one of the inflators even still has a spent CO2 cartridge inside. This definitely would have been helpful in rougher seas, where getting to the manual inflation valve would be problematic.
Condition is very good, and we do not see any repairs or major issues from the exterior. However due to the age it is most likely that the rubber inside is somewhat degraded, so it most likely is not functional. Both the manual inflation and exhaust valve seem to open, but we have not tested them for functionality.
The belt measures approximately 40" long and 10" wide uninflated.
Offered in good condition, this is a solid used example of a hard to find Life Preserver, one made well before the D-Day invasion that made them so famous, and modified for further service. Ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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