{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-m1926-d-day-inflatable-flotation-belt-life-preserver-by-eagle-rubber-dated-april-1944","title":"Original U.S. WWII M1926 D-Day Inflatable Flotation Belt Life Preserver by Eagle Rubber - Dated April 1944","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\u003eThe belt is dated and manufacturer marked in ink (partly faded):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCONTRACT No. W 33-099 tc-393\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEAGLE RUBBER CO., INC.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eASHLAND, OHIO\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAPR 24 1944\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 rubber is now very stiff and bends at the folds when unfolded. The C02 containers are not loaded with any spent cartridges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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, one made well before the D-Day invasion that made them so famous. Ready to display!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44668694233157,"sku":"ONJR24EPC099","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR24EPC099__09.jpg?v=1771960185","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-m1926-d-day-inflatable-flotation-belt-life-preserver-by-eagle-rubber-dated-april-1944","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}