*German, WW2, Immaculate Luftwaffe Pilot/Aircrew Life Vest (10-30B2 Schwimweste), Dated 1941*
Labelled: “schwimmest (SwimVest), Gerat-Nr. (Device No) 10-30B2, Anforderz (Requirement) FL 30154-2, Wek-nr. (Part No.) 509295, Hersteller. (manufacturer.) bwz”.
Overstamped /Inspection mark in the right hand corner – looks like “BA10572”.
Stamped onto the neck : “95417, 1180”
Manufactuerer bwz – German Wartime code for Auer-Gesellschaft AG, Werk Oranienburg.
This pristine Luftwaffe Pilot/Aircrew Life Vest (10-30B2 Schwimweste) bears clear markings inside, with a cloth label (later war examples printed directly onto the cloth) indicating its origin from “Auer-Gesellschaft, Aktien Gesellschaft Werk Oranienburg.”
The 10-30B2 was an inflatable vest operated by a carbon dioxide cartridge, representing a significant improvement over the full-back model. It utilized a stole-type buoyancy chamber, creating an air cushion behind the head, around the shoulders, and on the chest. This ensured that the wearer’s head remained above water, allowing them to float face upwards. The vest was worn deflated during flight. Unfortunately, this vest did not automatically inflate when it came in contact with the water rendering the vest of no value for the unconscious pilot.
The B-1 pattern (Fl 30154-1) emerged late in 1940 following lessons learned from the Battle of Britain in the English Channel. The B-2 (Fl 30154-2) followed in 1941, differing only in its use of plastic fittings for the gas inflation cartridge and mouthpiece instead of nickel and cast alloy.
The 10-30B2 Schwimmweste features a front central opening secured by two horizontal straps, along with vertical leg straps to secure the bottom of the vest to the wearer. On the upper left side, there is a black rubberized manual inflation tube and a black bakelite mouthpiece. The bottom edge of the left side contains a bakelite attachment point and a cylindrical CO2 canister, which automatically inflates the vest when opened. Complete with all straps, rings, waist belt, buckle, oral inflation tube/valve, and CO2 bottle manufactured by Auer, it bears the serial number 18571 and is dated 1-41, even retaining two spare washers for the bottle valve.
*Condition*
The rubberized canvas is in excellent condition, remains fully flexible and is very clean with good even colour. There is very minor staining on the inside. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMAEOOXBOO_3761150657
