US B-3 Mae West

This reproduction is an accurate recreation of the B-3 Life Preserver used at the beginning of WWII. It is suitable for reenactors portraying American aviators and paratroopers from that period. The vest is also ideal for WWII ETO Pilots impressions. It is designed to look like an unissued original from that time.

This reproduction is not a functioning life vest. It has a piece of rubber inside to simulate the bladder. The vest does not contain real CO2 or a dye pack. It is designed for display and reenactment purposes, not for actual flotation.

The outer shell is made from a yellow cloth. The vest uses good quality and sturdy materials throughout. Brass grommets and reinforcements are used where tubing passes through the fabric. The CO2 inflators and oral inflation tubes and fittings are also copied.

This reproduction is ideal for reenactors of American aviators and paratroopers. It is also used for living history representations and WWII ETO Pilots impressions. The vest is suitable for display on dummies in museums. It is also used by professional photographers for period shoots.

One reported issue is with the spring clip for the waist belt, which can bend. Some jackets have shipped with a defect, which was repairable. A rubber scent is present in some vests, which is expected to dissipate over time.