US Navy USMC Marine WW2 F4U CORSAIR F6F HELLCAT PILOT " MAE WEST " LIFE VEST 1945
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:227988 |
Victory in the Pacific hinged on air power, as US Navy and Marine Corps fighter pilots battled Japanese Zeros in deadly dogfights over the Solomons, Leyte Gulf, and in the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot until air supremacy in the Pacific was won. Naval aviators of WW2 were issued the classic "Mae West" life preservers. Mae West was a blonde bombshell vaudeville and movie actress of the 1930s, and her famously ample figure prompted American fliers to dub their inflatable vests "Mae Wes...ts" in her honor. This US Navy USMC Marine WW2 F4U CORSAIR F6F HELLCAT PILOT "MAE WEST" LIFE VEST is in very good condition, with a small loose seam edge at the lower left front and back neck, some drying and stiffening to the connected end of the groin strap, and with some scattered darkening, soiling, and age wear evident (ALL pictured). Otherwise, the vest is in fine shape, with no other damage to the supple, pliant rubberized yellow fabric construction. Most interestingly, it boasts the original black rubber mouth inflation tubes, CO2 cartridge holders, and bottom pull cords, sports the classic yellow canvas groin, waist, and neck straps with fully intact metal hardware, and is dated "MAY 26 1945" in the "VEST-PNEUMATIC LIFE / AN6519-1 / N288S / FIRESTONE" nomenclature stamping at the lower left front. It carries the initials "JW" stenciled in white at the lower right front, and is a fine example of a rare, original US Navy USMC Marine WW2 F4U CORSAIR F6F HELLCAT PILOT "MAE WEST" LIFE VEST. Please note, we offer the vest as a non-functional historical collectible only. Now celebrating over 15 years on eBay. Bid with confidence and please view our other great military and aviation classics, including a SIGNED, NUMBERED EASTMAN "TYPE A-2 FLIGHT JACKET" US AAF WW2 REFERENCE BOOK in MINT, unread, new in the wrapper condition, boasting simple yet elegant hardcovers, and sporting over 200 pages full of A-2 history.Abramsantiques appreciates your positive feedback and full five star ratings. We strive to make every transaction an exceptional one, and your complete satisfaction is our utmost concern. If for any reason you cannot leave fully positive feedback, contact us first and we will make it right.
00142
![Ww2 Gi M1943 Combat Field Pack [ " Jungle Pack " ] - - 1943 Date](https://pic-l.avaluer.net/imgstmb/g/i/y/f/q/-ww2_gi_m1943_combat_field_pack___jungle_pack_______1943_date-1_1_tmb.jpg)
