RAF 1941 Pattern Mae West Life Preserver ‘Type Flap’

Original 1941 Pattern RAF Mae West life preserver in very good, used condition. Early in the war, production ceased to include the physical flap, although the “Type Flap” designation continued to appear on the factory label. Later wartime examples were issued with a revised label omitting the “Type Flap” marking. Air Ministry Contract No. 6042/C34, size Medium. The life preserver retains strong colour and is free from damage, showing only light staining consistent with service wear. The original label is present, clear, and fully legible. All components are intact, including the leg straps, grab handles, tying tapes, and fluorescence flap/strap (fluorescent material no longer active). The flotation lamp pocket is present, and all press-studs and buttons remain complete. The original brass zip is intact and in good working order.

The Mae West is currently filled with paper for display purposes; original pads and bladder are available separately via the website.

An excellent example of a used wartime Mae West.