RARE variation Luftwaffe 10-30B-2 life vest, possibly an experimental self-inflating model, with built-in kapoks.

Looks like a standard mid-late war Luftwaffe 10-30B-2 life vest, with two major differences: The inflation mechanism is completely different, and thick kapok pads are sealed INSIDE the inflation chambers (similar to RAF stoles for the Harnessuit). One of the biggest problems experienced by all air forces was pilots and crews landing in the water unconscious. Being unable to manually inflate their life vests, they would often drown. Self-inflating life vests (and dinghies) became readily available soon after the war, using either hydrostatic pressure to trigger a C)2 cartridge, or, as I believe in this case, a chemical reaction which generated CO2 by mixing sodium-bicarbonate with sea water. Perhaps this was a trial model and didn’t make it into production before the war ended? The vest has no official label but is marked GUM, the 3-letter code for Bergisch-Maerkisches Eisenwerk of Velbert who specialized in precision metal casting (much needed for this type of inflation mechanism). I can find no official record of any self-inflating life vests—but so many records have been lost or destroyed. My theory is an educated guess, nothing more, but this is 100% original and has never been messed with. Very good used condition, a bit grubby with some minor damage to the rubberized canvas around the heavy mechanism.

$3,500 / £2,570 / €2,965

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