{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-m1926-d-day-inflatable-flotation-belt-life-preserver-by-hood-rubber-dated-december-1945","title":"Original U.S. WWII M1926 D-Day Inflatable Flotation Belt Life Preserver by Hood Rubber - Dated December 1945","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.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\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.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe belt is dated and manufacturer marked in ink (partly faded):\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDEC 13 1945\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContract Number\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(Too Faded)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHOOD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe metal buckle surrounding the CO2 containers shows a \u003cstrong\u003eUSN\u003c\/strong\u003e marking. 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\".\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is good, and we do not see any repairs or major issues from the exterior. However due to the age it is most likely that the rubber inside is somewhat degraded, so it most likely is not functional. The C02 containers are not loaded with any spent cartridges. The belt measures approximately 60\" long and 4.5\" wide uninflated.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in good condition, this is a solid used example of a hard to find Life Preserver.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReady to display!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40584034779205,"sku":"ONSV6685","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV6685__14.jpg?v=1685751653","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-m1926-d-day-inflatable-flotation-belt-life-preserver-by-hood-rubber-dated-december-1945","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}