RFC Auliff Lifebelt

First World War RFC Auliff lifebelt. Manufactured by W. Pound Ltd, London. The lifejacket waistcoat is manufactured in airtight/rubberised buff-coloured, thick cotton twill with adjustable white cotton webbing shoulder straps. The lifebelt fastened at the front with two metal hooks engaging with metal triangles. A compressed gas cylinder was fitted internally and deployed for use with a metal lever on the outside. In addition there was a brass oral inflation valve fitted to the upper left front corner enabling the wearer to inflate or top-up manually. On the front top left corner an oral inflation nozzle. Both the inside and outside faces are printed with wearing and operation instructions. Auliff improved the design, so this was not still an issue. The redesigned version was initially marketed as the Perrin Auliff Life Jacket. This example is marked The Auliff Lifebelt. These became standard issue during WW1 to the RNAS and occasionally to RFC personnel, for particular flights. They continued to be used by the post-WW1 Royal Air Force. This example is totally complete with original gas bottle and will inflate by the mouth peace. These belts remained in service until 1924, when they were finally declared obsolete, and were replaced by newer designs.

This rare example is well marked. Unfortunately someone thought it was necessary to at a date, this date should not be on this lifejacket. It shows use and wear but is in good overall condition remaining strong and supple. It is complete with the inflation lever and the top-up nozzles remain in place.

Extemely rare piece and absolutely stunning display item.