Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. WWII inflatable dual-tube flotation belt, commonly known to collectors as the M1926 “D-Day” life preserver, manufactured by Durkee-Atwood Co. of Minneapolis and dated October 19, 1944. These distinctive flotation belts were intended for personnel involved in amphibious operations and are associated with the Allied landings in Normandy, where examples can be seen extensively in period photographs. This particular example was manufactured several months after D-Day, so no claim is made that it was actually present during the June 6, 1944 landings.

The flotation belt is constructed with two long parallel inflatable sections enclosed within a tan canvas outer covering. At one end is the dual inflation mechanism, with two cylindrical fittings and the associated metal hardware. The central metal fitting is marked U.S.N., while the upper component is manufacturer marked:

DURKEE
ATWOOD

The design allowed the two flotation chambers to be inflated using compressed CO2 cylinders. Period instructions directed the wearer to operate the inflation mechanism by squeezing the indicated areas together with a quick, firm grip. The individual chambers could also be manually inflated through the separate valve-equipped tubes if necessary.

The original wartime ink stamping is still partially legible on the canvas. Though faded, it appears to read:

OCT 19 1944
CONT. NO. […]
DURKEE-ATWOOD CO. […]

There is a second, substantially faded block of printed operating instructions on the canvas. Much of this stamping is now difficult to read, but comparable examples carry the instruction “TO INFLATE SQUEEZE ARROWS TOGETHER WITH A HARD QUICK GRIP AND RELEASE.” Also of interest is a large hand-written “OK” marking visible on one side of the canvas. Its precise meaning cannot presently be confirmed. It may represent an inspection, storage, or service-related marking.

Condition is great, with the belt remaining notably complete and well preserved. The tan canvas retains a strong appearance, showing only expected age toning and light discoloration. The original seams, reinforced sections, and construction details remain clearly visible and intact. The metal fittings are likewise well preserved with only minor oxidation and isolated surface corrosion.