Object ID
1998.32.2
Object Name
Jacket, Life
Date Created
June 22, 1945
Measurements
34.76752 cm. W x 62.5475 cm. L, Item (Overall)
Material
Metal; Neoprene
Object Entities
Eagle Rubber, (created by)
Yiannias, Nickas (is related to)
Object Description
This is a Navy life jacket from World War II. It is made out of dark green neoprene with a teardrop shaped opening for the head. The jacket splits in two near the base to allow it to inflate. Thter are dark blue straps attached to the jacket, which have a metal clip at one end and a metal loop at the other in order to secure the life jacket to a person. In between the folds of the jacket, there are two dark green tubes attached to the jacket with white rope pull chords with a black piece of rubber on them, presumabley meant to be pulled in order to inflate the jacket. The pull string has been secured to the tube by copper wire, so that it can't be pulled. In the bottom back right corner, there is manufacturing information. The inside of the jacket is blue, which may have been its original color.
Origin
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber known for its stability and flexibility. The Eagle Rubber Company originaly manufactured balloons before it began manufacturing military equipment during World War II. Life jackets like this are known as "Mae Wests" referring to a famous actress of the time.
Rights and Reproduction
The content on this site is made available for research and education purposes only. The use of these materials may be restricted by law or the donor.

Any other use, such as exhibition, publication, or commercial use, is not allowed except by written permission in accordance with the NHM Image Rights and Reproduction Policy.

For questions on image rights and reproduction, please contact nhmcollections@hellenicmuseum.org
Citation
Jacket, Life, June 22, 1945, National Hellenic Museum, https://hellenic.whirlihost.com/Detail/objects/11198. Accessed 04/24/24.