Andrew
Well-Known Member
I finally picked up a B-4 Life Vest- actually being made on the 14 Nov 1944 it's designated AN6519-1. Just passed it's 66th birthday, but it looks almost like new. I doubt if it was ever used as intended.
I'm not sure why I wanted one of these as there's no way i'm going to wear it, it's just part of that inexplicable need to collect and inspect. I do however really think they look cool with an A-2 so if I get the guts and my Wife doesn't roll her eyes I might one day display it that way.
I bought this one for a good price from all places from a lady in Tasmania who collected boaty stuff, she thought it went well with her oars, nets and floats :shock: It's always amazed me how well these tend to sell, always fetching what I would consider high prices for a not terribly usable item. Anyone have any ideas about that?
One thing that occured to me when putting this on to shoot was how cumbersome it was getting it over your head and jacket collar. I'ts much easier done with a Dubow than a RW or in this case a Perry. Obviously they meant it to stay on hence the relatively small collar, but I wonder if the earlier B-3 had an any affect on the design of A-2 collars- naah. A B-10 or 15 would be even more tricky.
I've got a '32 and '41 patten RAF which i'll get around to posting as well.
I'm not sure why I wanted one of these as there's no way i'm going to wear it, it's just part of that inexplicable need to collect and inspect. I do however really think they look cool with an A-2 so if I get the guts and my Wife doesn't roll her eyes I might one day display it that way.
I bought this one for a good price from all places from a lady in Tasmania who collected boaty stuff, she thought it went well with her oars, nets and floats :shock: It's always amazed me how well these tend to sell, always fetching what I would consider high prices for a not terribly usable item. Anyone have any ideas about that?
One thing that occured to me when putting this on to shoot was how cumbersome it was getting it over your head and jacket collar. I'ts much easier done with a Dubow than a RW or in this case a Perry. Obviously they meant it to stay on hence the relatively small collar, but I wonder if the earlier B-3 had an any affect on the design of A-2 collars- naah. A B-10 or 15 would be even more tricky.
I've got a '32 and '41 patten RAF which i'll get around to posting as well.