{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-navy-m1926-d-day-inflatable-flotation-belt-life-preserver-dated-december-1943-with-original-box","title":"Original U.S. WWII Navy M1926 D-Day Inflatable Flotation Belt Life Preserver - Dated December 1943 (with Original Box)","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. The M1926 inflatable floatation 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 covered pipes.\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\u003eThis particular belt is dated \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eDecember, 30th, 1943\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e and was manufactured by Eagle Rubber Co of Ashland Ohio. Date, contract number and maker are ink stamped on the canvas. The metal buckle shows a \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eUSN\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e marking \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSparklets\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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\u003eAlso included is the original wax paper covered cardboard shipping box with the original label still attached that reads; “\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003ePreserver Life Belt Type \t1 ea\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe belt measures 60\" long and 4.5\" wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in unissued condition, this is one of the very best examples of this belt you will every find on the market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":26171728517,"sku":"ON3604","price":425.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/on3604__01.jpg?v=1601125312","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-navy-m1926-d-day-inflatable-flotation-belt-life-preserver-dated-december-1943-with-original-box","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}