This is an original U.S. Army Air Forces Type C-1 Emergency Sustenance Vest, designed for aircrews to carry essential survival gear during World War II. Issued primarily to pilots and aircrew, this vest was intended to store emergency rations, medical supplies, signaling devices, and even a sidearm for survival situations.
Made from durable olive drab cotton-nylon blend, the vest features multiple labeled pockets, each designated for specific survival items such as food rations, first aid kits, fire-starting tools, fishing gear, and signaling devices. The Army Air Forces insignia is clearly stenciled on the left chest, confirming its wartime authenticity.
This vest was manufactured by Aircraft Appliance Corporation, with its original contract tag still intact, marked Spec No. 3206 and Order No. W33-038AC5415.
USGI WWII USAAF Type C-1 Emergency Sustenance Vest
Specifications
- Era: WWII (U.S. Army Air Forces)
- Material: Olive drab cotton-nylon blend
- Manufacturer: Aircraft Appliance Corporation
- Specification Number: 3206
- Order Number: W33-038AC5415
- Closure: Button-front with adjustable lace-up back
- Pockets: Multiple survival gear pouches with original printed labels for their intended contents
- Markings: U.S. Army Air Forces insignia on the chest
Condition
- Overall: Good condition for its age, showing service wear.
- Tears: 1-2" tear on the side (visible in images).
- Back Ties: Top back tie strings are cut, but the lower ones remain intact.
- Markings: The Army Air Forces insignia is visible, though faded in some areas.
- Buttons & Pockets: All buttons are present, and all pouches retain their labeled designations for their original survival gear.
- Fabric Wear: Some fraying on pocket edges and minor staining, expected from wartime use.
