Original U.S. WWII M1926 “D-Day Invasion” Inflatable Flotation Belt Life Preserver by Master Tire & Rubber With Box - Dated OCT 25, 1944
-
Original 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.
This type of belt is particularly known for use during the D-Day landing on the Normandy beaches on June 6th, 1944.
The belt is dated and manufacturer marked in ink (partly faded):
DATE MANUFACTURED
MASTER TIRE & RUBBER CORP.
OCT 25, 1944
The metal buckle surrounding the CO2 containers shows a USN 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".
Condition is good, and we do not see any repairs or major issues from the exterior. The rubber is still quite supple though we do not guarantee that the belt is functional and is purely being sold as a novelty display item. The C02 containers are not loaded with any spent cartridges.
Paired with the life belt is a lovely original box though it is flattened and torn.
Offered in good condition, this is a solid used example of a hard to find Life Preserver, one made a few short months after the D-Day invasion that made them so famous. Ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
We Buy Military Antiques
Our team expert buyers travels the world to pay fair prices for entire estate collections to singular items.
START SELLING TODAY
