Original 1962 Date RAF MK4A Life Preserver by ‘P. Frankenstein’

Description

About this item

An original 1962 dated RAF MK4A Life Preserver made by ‘P. Frankenstein’ which comes complete with many of its accessories. Whilst many offered for sale today are just the jacket itself, this example comes complete with its bladder, dingy knife, whilst and CO2 bottle.This pattern of life jacket was introduced into service in the 1950s and saw widespread issue. It is a waistcoat like the earlier 1932 and 1941 pattern Mae West which preceded this pattern but has many changes. It features a ‘horse shoe’ I.E. the main front body of the jacket which is again the same as earlier patterns with a waistcoat style rear. This is designed to allow for inflation and features grab hands and a three button front which is again similar to the earlier mae wests. A large pocket is fitted to the right hand side which is intended to house the ‘SARAH’ Beacon Battery. It features two white straps to the exterior which denote this as a MK 4A. There is a long pocket which houses the Co2 bottle which is still present and is marked ‘Cylinder Co2 MK4 Life Jacket’. Another ‘Flash’ zip is found to the reverse of the ‘horse shoe’ which allows the bladder to be fitted or removed. The original bladder is still fitted and is dated 12/63. It also features RAF stores number of 22c/1182 and retains its original black rubber mouthpiece which is shedding slightly. The bladder is crispy but appears to be complete and intact. Another pocket on the jacket features the dingy knife which is marked with the RAF stores code of 27C/2125 as well as with the War Department broad arrow marking. This pocket also houses a white plastic whistle on a lanyard which is marked ‘The ACME City’. The life jacket is also fitted with a Martin Baker ejection seat attachment which is illustrated in picture 7. Inside the jacket the original issue label is still present and is bright and legible. It bears the RAF stores number of 22C/1876 below which is the War Department broad arrow marking and the 1963 date. The maker’s label is fitted below this and bears the name of ‘P. Frankenstein’The jacket is in used condition with signs of age and wear. There is lots of staining and signs of use which give the life jacket a really authentic used look. Please study the pictures carefully before purchasing as this is a used, issued item with some flaws commensurate with age. A nice piece of Jet-Age flying equipment with some many of the hard to find accessories. This would make a nice addition to a collection without a doubt!

This is a vintage item which is ‘sold as seen’

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