USAAF 1944 Dated “Mae West” Pneumatic Survival Vest-This “Mae West” Life Jacket was affectionately dubbed the "Mae West" vest (after the amply endowed film star that most of you will be too young to know, but it might be worth a google)! This is the iconic pneumatic life vest that saved the lives of thousands of pilots during WWII. The yellow rubber vest inflated using CO2 cartridges, with a back-up manual inflation tube. The Mae West was worn by fighter pilots, bomber crew and even transport crews. Whether it was flying over the English Channel, the Adriatic or Mediterranean, up the slot in the Solomons or across the Atlantic or Pacific oceans, this was the model of life preserver used. This vest is in very good condition; the yellow rubber is still very pliable. The rubber tube accessories are very stiff and one has actually broken off; this tube rubber has hardened up over time. This vest has straps which are in good condition as well. This is an iconic offering.