Original Item: Only One Available. The M1926 inflatable flotation belt was used as a life preserver by assault troops during amphibious actions and beach landings. The belt was inflated by squeezing two switches located inside the belt, which activated two CO2 bottles. If the CO2 bottles failed, the belt could still be inflated by blowing into the rubber tubes, which have valves by Schrader on the ends.

This type of belt is particularly known for use during the D-Day landing on the Normandy beaches on June 6th, 1944.

This particular belt is dated OCT 13 1944 and was manufactured by DURKEE-ATWOOD CO., MPLS. Date, contract number and maker are ink stamped on the canvas, but are somewhat faint. The metal buckle surrounding the CO2 containers shows a USN marking and DURKEE-ATWOOD.

The instructions are stamped on the canvas, close to the CO2 slots and indicate: "To inflate squeeze arrows together with a hard quick grip and release".

The belt measures 60" long and 4.5" wide.

Offered in unissued condition, this is one of the very best examples of this belt you will every find on the market, it even holds air in both chambers!