Antiques, Collectables & Vintage. (14% Buyers Commission)
A 1950s RAF MK4A Life Preserver Mae West by P. Frankenstein & Sons (Manchester) Ltd. This vintage, heavy-duty fabric vest-like garment, likely an inflatable flotation device, is presented in a faded orange/yellow hue. Constructed from what appears to be treated canvas or similar material, it features numerous metal snaps, eyelets with lacing, multiple zippers, and off-white webbing straps with associated hardware. A small, blue and white pump-like object is visible in one of its integrated pockets. Key identifying marks include a white fabric label bearing “22C/1479” and “37242”, and a prominent black fabric label stating “A SPECIAL PRODUCTION OF BEAUFORT DIVISION . BIRKENHEAD P. FRANKENSTEIN & SONS (MANCHESTER) LTD. HEAD OFFICE. VICTORIA RUBBER WORKS NEWTON HEATH. MANCHES R.D.10.”. Additional stenciled or stamped text such as “P.F.&S. B.19” and a partial “PATENT No. 689597” is also discernible on the fabric.
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