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Parachutes / Mae Wests

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Set of 3 original kapok pads for the stole inflated (1941 Pattern) yellow life vest.

A good, original set of kapok pads for the stole inflated life vest (commonly known as 1941 Pattern Mae West). These are the later pattern which contained teased kapok inside a cotton case. There s a clean  Air Ministry mark on the neck pad and slightly fainter markings on the other two. The cotton shows its age with minor staining but has no damage. One of those accessories which is becoming more difficult to source.

$250 / £198 / €230

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CO2 inflation cartridges for the AAF life vests B-3, B-4, AN6519, B-5 plus USN Mk I and others.

Standard Sparklets style CO2 cartridges usde to inflate almost all life vests worn by USAAF and USN aircrews in WWII. Hard to make out the markings and these may be post war, but identical to wartime issue and still live (the ends are not punctured).

$35 / £28 / €33 for the pair

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Complete panel of an early wartime silk parachute.

Hard to tell if this is from a US or British made parachute, but it is silk, not rayon or nylon, and the only marking is the panel number 15.  Measures about 12' (365cm) long by about 3' ( 92cm) at it's widest end, going down to 6" (15cm) at the thin end. Clean, excellent condition and would make several great scarves or could be used to wrap the packing on an actual parachute.

$125 / £100 / €115

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RAF Type A Mk III pack for the one-man Type K Dinghy (top cover only).

Top cover of the K Dinghy pack, Type A Mk III issued to fighter pilots and single seat aircraft, with pockets for accessories and survival items and the scarce conhnector for the Mae West still attached. This is in excellent condition, showing very little use or wear and still has a clear crisp instructions in 4 languages. It is marked on top with a yellow stripe and "VET DINGHY DRILL." These packs are rarely found in such great condition and this makes a very good display - just needs the bottom cover.

$125 / £99 / €115

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RAF 1941 Pattern Mae West toggle rope.

Toggle rope as issued with the 1941 Pattern Life Vest for tying as needed together once having landed in the sea. One end was sewn to the inside of the vest  and coiled up in the pouch between the flotation chamber and the outer layet. It could be uncoiled and the wooden toggle  secured to other ditched crewmembers, the dinghy, rescue vessel etc. as needed.

$45 / £38 / €43

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Commercial 1930s kapok filled life vest.

 

While bearing a resemblance to the issue types used by the Air Force and Navy of many of the warring nations, this is a commercial life vest, though it's actual origin is unknown. It had two labels attached at one time, long since removed (stitch holes are visible as shown). Though overall grubby and with some oil stains typical of use—as well as rust stains and rusted adjustment buckles at both sides—the vest is in reasonably good condition, with a few small holes and worn spots but none of the stuffing missing. It fastened with six buttons at the front, now missing. It would make a good project if restored for an aviation or marine display, or the kapok "sausages" could be salvaged for another restoration.

 

$55 / £45 / €50

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1930s commercial kapok life jacket.

 

OD green cotton life vest made of kapok stuffed tubes, very similar in design to the types worn by German Luftwaffe and Japanese Air Force pilots and aircrews— in fact this resembles the Japanese float vest closely enough that it would work well—and a considerably cheaper alternative for display or re-enactment (since an original Japanese life vest can cost upwards of $5,000). Of course it can also be displayed  as a good example of a commercial life vest of the period as used by sailors and aviators.  Excellent condition, with s mall black mark to the rear and a linen label which is virtually washed out and illegible. 

$120 / £95 / €112

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RARE stole pattern (1932 Pattern) Life Vest, Tropical pattern,  complete with original stole and kapoks - Australian made.

Incredibly rare Tropical version of the 1932 Pattern Life Vest / Mae West. The 1932 pattern life vest was made in two variants: Temperate and Tropical, with the temperate being more of a waistcoat style, with a 3 button front, while the tropical was more skeletal, tied only with cotton tapes having a narrow strip fabric at the back. There is photographic evidence both types were worn during the Battle of Britain. British and Canadian made examples were green, while those made in the Commonwealth were also produced in tan/khaki. This example is Australian made, though most of its printed markings have faded (some can be seen faintly). Condition overall is very good, used. There evidence of wear but no damage. Good working zip at the collar allowing access to the fabric covered stole (bladder) and kapoks, both of which are excellent and also marked. Fabric is rubberized inside but much of the coating has dried and flaked off. Some sun fading which looks worse in the photos than in real life. An incredibly rare item.

ON HOLD

AAF parachute back cushion/pad.

Olive drab/khaki canvas back cushion for the AAF parachute harness in excellent condition - possibly unissued (just a little storage wear). Feels like the standard horsehair stuffing.

$125 / £105 / €118

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AAF parachute / equipment bag.

Olive drab canvas hold-all issued as an equipment bag but mostly associated with parachute equipment. Very useful bags! Especially when in such great condition with a fully functioning zip and no wear or damage. Nicely marked and named to two different airmen, with a nice AAF logo to the front. Storage wear but overall very good.

$100 / £83 / €94

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AAF QAC "square" pack AN6513-1 (reproduction) with GENUINE WW2 silk canopy inside.

Early style "square" pack used from 1942-43 until replaced with the "barrel" shaped design. Made by the Rigger Depot - but this example has been custom fitted with a genuine WW2 dated (August 1944) silk parachute canopy. This is as new and has never been worn or used.

Note: canopy is correctly packed but is NOT attached to the risers and this can NOT be used to jump. 

ON HOLD

AAF Pack for the Type C-2 Pneumatic raft.

 

Heavy canvas pack for the Type C-2 Pneumatic raft for attaching to the seat-type parachute harness. This is one of the later types with the hooks reversed so that the wearer sat on the opening. manufacture date of March 1945. Made by Rubber Raft Corp. of America. Very good condition, with some staining and soiling from storage.

$220 / £180 / €200

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RAF small heliograph / signal mirror for the 1941 pattern Mae West.

 

Small version of the heliograph / signal mirror which was intended for the Type K dinghy survival kit, but invariably finished up being carried in the  small pocket on the 1941 pattern Mae West. Complete with cotton pouch and siting tool, all in excellent condition, with printed instructions on back of steel mirror. Minor rust stain on pouch and tiny speck of rust on siting tool. Retains cord for attaching to eyelet on Mae West.

$65 / £52 / €60

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AAF chest type parachute

T-ring to deploy 'chute.

 

One of those hard-to-find accessories to complete a parachute pack or display. The "T" shape pull handle for a chest type parachute as used by aircrew.

$25 / £18 / €20

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AAF Back Pack parachute "ripcord" comprising "D" ring and cable with release pins still attached.

 

Back Pack parachutes were used throughout the war, from 1942 onwards, by both fighter pilots and bomber crews, although they are thought of as somewhate scarce (and are certainly less common than either the seat pack or the clip-on chest pack). This ripcord comprises the D-ring handle with long cable and a series of 4 release pins, all of which are present. The handle is stamped AN 6571-1 with a W in a circle.

 

£20 / $25 / €24  Click to secure item

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