US Air Force Flotation / Life Vest

[rje71]

Anyone here familiar with a Flotation Vest used by the USAF probably the late 40's early 50's or so ? Looks like a a C-1 vest but it is most certainly a life vest of some sort and has the blue star and wing on the left chest and marked U.S. Air Force. It has a tag inside but it is torn and tattered and not very readable ..

 

Any ideas ?

 

 

[doyler]

Sounds like the Radio carrier vest Type E1

 

They came in both Green or Blue.

 

[rje71]

It looks like that indeed, but has the flotation cells like a life jacket.

 

What era is this ? I would guess late 40's early 50's ?

[Lee Ragan]

It looks like that indeed, but has the flotation cells like a life jacket.

 

What era is this ? I would guess late 40's early 50's ?

The box says manufactured May 1958.

[rje71]

I see that now Thank You

[rje71]

Here are some pictures of the actual vest and the id tag is pretty worn and tattered ..

[phantomfixer]

how are the flotation cells inflated? tubes or cylinders? and can they be removed?

[rje71]

phantomphixer,

 

I am sorry I didn't notice and reply back to this sooner ! Sorry ... The flotation cells appear to be heavier/thicker plastic bladders and are filled with something, but I only know this because there is a seam that needs to be resewn because it has come loose. But they are sewed into the vest itself and not removable. Hopefully as some point I will be able to find more about this And as best I can tell it is not something that has been altered. Maybe I will try and reach out to the USAF museum and see if they have any further insight ..