Luftwaffe Pilots Schwimmweste, Mod.10-30
Price: $2195
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Description: Mint unissued/unworn Luftwaffe Schwimmweste Model 10-30 B-2; Manufactured by bwz; FL30154-2. The canvas is Mint and remains supple, clean and new looking. The front straps and cadmium plated rings are mint with all straps intact and unworn. The CO2 cylinder, brass fittings and screw valve & knob are mint (Fl.30153) showing no use. The oral inflation tube is untouched. The water proof woven nomenclature label showing the serial number, manufacture, etc in the back panel is 100%. This mint example is impossible to upgrade, so if you want one this is it!
Background: A waistcoat style life preserver developed by Drager in the late 1930s. Made in yellow rubberized canvas with a single continuous inflatable chamber. Three simple canvas straps with ring buckles fasten at the front and a single strap passed between the legs. A carbon dioxide cylinder was provided for inflation, situated on the lower left lobe and operated via a screw valve. A rubber oral inflation tube was provided so the wearer could ‘top-up’ the pressure if necessary. As well as being standard issue for Luftwaffe aircrew during the Battle Of Britain these also had great kudos with R.A.F. pilots and some were ‘captured’ as war booty and worn in preference to the issue R.A.F. 1932 pattern. Notable are 617 ‘Dam Buster’ Squadron commanding officer Guy Gibson and Battle of Britain ace Eric Stanley Lock, both who used this Mod 10-30 type Luftwaffe Vest.
