Item:
ONSV21WOS12

Original U.S. WWII Army Air Forces Bailout Breathing Oxygen Bottle Type H-1 dated 1944 with Carrier

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. The Type H-1 bailout cylinder was a standardized for use by the USAAF in October, 1941, and declared obsolete four years later as it was replaced by the Type H-2. This emergency item contained enough oxygen for about ten minutes consumption. It was intended to be used during bailout at high altitudes where the air was thin and the flyer wished to remain conscious during descent.

As seen in this example, the steel cylinder of the H-1 is contained in a canvas bag. The cylinder is secured in the bag by a braided lace, and the bag itself has two heavy O.D. straps for tying to a leg or thigh, or to the parachute harness. The bag also has a side compartment for holding the folded rubber tubing, however this example is missing the rubber tube, except for the very end fitting, still attached to the bottle.

It is interesting to note that the bag is marked "U.S. AIRFORCE." Of course, this exact nomenclature was not used for the flying service until 1947 when the Air Force became an independent service from the Army. Nonetheless, this is a WWII vintage item and period photos from WWII show flyers with this exact bag and marking.

In addition to the large printed markings on the bag and bottle, as seen in the images, there are also some stamped markings on the valve assembly and bottle.

Around the circumference of the neck of the bottle are stamped two lines. The top line appears to read 1 CC 3E 1800. The 1800 would appear to refer to the standard charge of oxygen in the bottle. Below, on the second line, it reads, H1 AC 4 44 123700 M / L. The H1 and the AC would seem to indicate the Type H-1 and Air Corps. The 4 44 indicates April, 1944. The H-1 tank is painted with black enamel, and the side is stenciled with AAF 44, for Army Air Forces 1944.

This H-1 oxygen breathing tank comes with a khaki colored case that the cylinder slips into. It has tie down straps. The case is well marked and reads:

U.S. AIRFORCE
BAILOUT BREATHING OXYGEN
DWG. NO. 4G7365

Like the bottle, the outside of the bag is stamped with AAF 44, for Army Air Forces 1944.

Entire set is offered in Very Good condition.

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