Original Item: Only One Available. These are extremely rare, the "Kapok" life preserver vests were used by the Navy and Marine corps during WWII, and were in many ways easier to use than the "Mae West" type, as they did not require inflation and were easier to secure. This type of preserver was intended more for "general" use, and not just for pilots. The larger size would have made it cumbersome in the cockpit, but for ship-based servicemen, it was perfect.

The standard version was just a vest, however this example has the neck and head support, indicating it was for use by a landing craft driver, used to transport troops from transport ships to the beaches. These individuals needed the greater neck support so that their head was always up, even if the craft were to start swamping.

This example is in very good service used condition, it is dated 1943. It is the correct navy blue color, and all of the straps look to be intact. Attached to the vest is a very hard to find USN marked electric rescue light.

Ready to add to your collection and display!