WWII Imperial Japanese Army Air Force Life Vest 1943 Dated / Unused Rescue Float

  

This is an authentic WWII Imperial Japanese Army Air Force life vest, dated 1943 (Showa 18), with factory inspection stamps. It remains in unused and excellent condition, a true rarity from the final years of the Pacific War.

This life vest was designed for rescue and survival during air missions, especially for flight crew over water or special attack (tokko) units. Filled with water-resistant kapok and wrapped in durable brown cotton fabric, it was developed in parallel with the Navy version, but this Army variant is even rarer today. Purpose: Worn by flight crews for buoyancy during emergency landings or sea crashes. Material: Kapok-padded, water-resistant cotton shell. Inner red cloth pocket (used for signaling or survival).

Storage pad for rolled-up flag (note: flag not included). Factory markings including year "Showa 18". Codpiece attachment for secure wear. Condition: Unused, preserved in remarkable condition with no restoration. Army aviation gear from this era is extremely rare, especially in unused form with clear military stamps.

This vest offers a direct physical connection to Japan's wartime air operations and the desperate end-of-war period when every flight was a matter of life and death. Own a piece of history.