{"product_id":"original-british-wwii-raf-bailout-aviator-s-breathing-oxygen-bottle-with-d-handle-and-1955-dated-overhaul-tag","title":"Original British WWII RAF Bailout Aviator’s Breathing Oxygen Bottle with D Handle and 1955 Dated Overhaul Tag","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a rare original British RAF high altitude bailout oxygen bottle, retaining its original \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eD shaped operating handle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and a postwar \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1955 dated overhaul tag\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e indicating that the bottle was inspected and serviced after WWII.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese portable oxygen bottles were intended for use by RAF aircrew operating at high altitude. In the event of an emergency bailout, pulling the D handle released a controlled flow of oxygen through a hose connected to the aviator’s oxygen mask, allowing the wearer a limited supply while descending from altitude.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe side of the bottle is clearly marked:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAVIATORS BREATHING OXYGEN\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is also an original information tag attached to the side with filling and emptying instructions or data. The tag remains present but is beginning to separate from the bottle and should be handled carefully.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe bottle retains its original D handle and the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003esafety pin is still inserted\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe accompanying overhaul tag is dated \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1955\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and indicates that the bottle was serviced and checked at that time. This provides an interesting example of wartime RAF equipment that remained in the supply and maintenance system into the postwar period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition is worn and incomplete. The bottle is missing its pressure gauge and oxygen hose, along with several other fittings or components. There is minor age, wear, and oxidation, consistent with long storage and use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDespite the condition, the surviving D handle, safety pin, original \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAVIATORS BREATHING OXYGEN\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e marking, side information tag, and 1955 overhaul tag make this a particularly interesting RAF aviation equipment piece. It is a strong representative example of the emergency oxygen equipment carried for high altitude flying and bailout use during the WWII period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44904785707077,"sku":"ONSV26MFD018","price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26MFD018__01.jpg?v=1776873492","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-british-wwii-raf-bailout-aviator-s-breathing-oxygen-bottle-with-d-handle-and-1955-dated-overhaul-tag","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}