Cork life vest 1944

[manayunkman]

Does anyone know the story behind this life vest.

[robinb]

I don't know any more than you. But here's my 1938 dated example.

[manayunkman]

20 hours ago, robinb said:

I don't know any more than you. But here's my 1938 dated example.

Thank you for your moral support and if you come across some tangible evidence of what it represents please let me know.

 

Do you think they are military or something commercial approved by the CG?

[robinb]

I swear that I've seen a picture of a GI wearing one crossing the Atlantic. 

[Salvage Sailor]

Commercial cork life vest for steamships, ferries, passenger liners, etc.  Manufactured from the late 1930's to mid 1950's and approved to meet USCG specifications. (thus the stencil).

 

They were most likely used on transports pressed into WWII service so yes, they may have been worn on lifeboat drills for ocean crossings by GI's.

 

There ya go...

 

 

[j. t. thompson]

International Military Antiques is currently selling U.S.N. versions of these life preservers. Same design, but dark colored.

 

Original WWII U.S. Navy Issue Life Preserver Vest – International Military Antiques

[Maxrobot]

I've had this one since about 1973 or so. I put it up for auction at Amoskeag Auctions. I hope it sells. The auction is March 29-30.  I never dis find much info on it except that Kapok was in short supply due to USN demands.

[Salvage Sailor]

If you search the Federal Register you'll find notices of the contracts and the USCG approvals

 

1937

 

1942

 

1943

 

1946

 

1961

 

[j. t. thompson]

Salvage Sailor, that is an amazing amount of great information.

 

Here are some images of a 1961 Atlantic-Pacific cork life preserver:

 

 

 

 

The U.S.C.G. Approval No. is close to that listed in the May 2, 1961 Federal Register. Unfortunately, the model number is illegible.

 

This is a great thread!

 

 

 

 

[j. t. thompson]

Lifeboat drill, SS Manhattan, North Atlantic, October 1939.

 

https://ark.digitalcommonwealth.org/ark:/50959/7h14dz88x

[j. t. thompson]

Here's some Atlantic-Pacific Mfg. Corp. WW II  contract listings :

 

 

Although the model number, or type, of life preservers are not shown, the letter "A" in the listings indicates Army contracts.

 

 

 

[pararaftanr2]

And the "N" indicates Navy contracts.

[j. t. thompson]

S.S. President Coolidge, Espiritu Santo, October 26, 1942:

 

 

https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/the-sinking-of-ss-president-coolidge/

[manayunkman]

On 3/14/2025 at 7:05 PM, Maxrobot said:

I've had this one since about 1973 or so. I put it up for auction at Amoskeag Auctions. I hope it sells. The auction is March 29-30.  I never dis find much info on it except that Kapok was in short supply due to USN demands.

Did it sell?

[manayunkman]

What is this stamp about 4” diameter?