Original U.S. WWII M1926 D-Day Inflatable Flotation Belt Life Preserver by Eagle Rubber - Dated April 1944

Original Item: Only One Available. The M1926 inflatable flotation belt was used as a life preserver by assault troops during amphibious actions and beach landings. The belt was inflated by squeezing two switches located inside the belt, which activated two CO2 bottles. If the CO2 bottles failed, the belt could still be inflated by blowing into the rubber tubes, which have valves on the ends.

This type of belt is particularly known for use during the D-Day landing on the Normandy beaches on June 6th, 1944.

The belt is dated and manufacturer marked in ink (partly faded):

CONTRACT No. W 33-099 tc-393
EAGLE RUBBER CO., INC.
ASHLAND, OHIO
APR 24 1944

The metal buckle surrounding the CO2 containers shows a USN marking. The instructions are stamped on the canvas, close to the CO2 slots and indicate: "To inflate squeeze arrows together with a hard quick grip and release".

Condition is \good, and we do not see any repairs or major issues from the exterior. The rubber is now very stiff and bends at the folds when unfolded. The C02 containers are not loaded with any spent cartridges.

The belt measures approximately 60" long and 4.5" wide uninflated.

Offered in good condition, this is a solid used example of a hard to find Life Preserver, one made well before the D-Day invasion that made them so famous. Ready to display!