{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-m1926-d-day-inflatable-flotation-belt-life-preserver-by-durkee-atwood-co","title":"Original U.S. WWII M1926 “D-Day” Inflatable Flotation Belt Life Preserver by Durkee Atwood Co.","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. The M1926 inflatable flotation belt was used as a life preserver by assault troops during amphibious actions and beach landings. The belt was inflated by squeezing two switches located inside the belt, which activated two CO2 bottles. If the CO2 bottles failed, the belt could still be inflated by blowing into the rubber tubes, which have valves on the ends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis type of belt is particularly known for use during the D-Day landing on the Normandy beaches on June 6th, 1944.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe belt is dated and manufacturer marked in ink (partly faded):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOCT… 44\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCONT. NO. w…\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDURKEE ATWOOD CO. MPLS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis denotes 1944 manufacture, but the rest of this marking is gone. The metal buckle surrounding the CO2 containers shows a \u003cstrong\u003eUSN \u003c\/strong\u003emarking. The instructions are stamped on the canvas, close to the CO2 slots and indicate: \"To inflate squeeze arrows together with a hard quick grip and release\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is good, and we do not see any repairs or major issues from the exterior. The belt is still tied together with what look to be the original ties. However due to the age it is most likely that the rubber inside is somewhat degraded, so it most likely is not functional, however there is still trapped air inside, more than likely from an unwarranted “collector test”. The C02 containers are not loaded with any spent cartridges. The belt measures approximately 60\" long and 4.5\" wide uninflated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in good condition, this is a solid used example of a hard to find Life Preserver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReady to display!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45117702045765,"sku":"ONSV26HAD030","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26HAD030__01.jpg?v=1780938792","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-m1926-d-day-inflatable-flotation-belt-life-preserver-by-durkee-atwood-co","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}