Life Jacket Type B-4

Object/Artifact

Wright Museum of WWII

Front view of life jacket

Name/Title

Life Jacket Type B-4

Entry/Object ID

2001.073.002

Description

Yellow life vest with canvas straps. Metal buckles. Rubber tubes for self-inflation. Printed on the front "VEST -- PNEUMATIC, LIFE -- TYPE B-4" and "PROPERTY U. S. GOVERNMENT".

Context

This inflatable life jacket was common during the war. It was colloquially referred to as a "Mae West" life jacket because when inflated, it gave the wearer a buxom appearance similar to the popular film star, Mae West.

Update Date

February 19, 2026