Luftwaffe Model 10-76A Replica Schwimmveste

This example was purchased in Germany but carries no clues to its origins. Suffice to say someone has gone to a lot of trouble to produce this detailed replica. I had the opportunity to show it to Steve Kiddle of Pegasus Militaria (who we believe makes the best replica RAF Mae Wests on the market) who confirmed it was not his handiwork but agreed it is well executed and would have been both complicated and expensive to produce. This is the early Battle of Britain pattern designated Fl 30156, with the full- back kapoks that proved to be a design fault in that unconscious aircrew were often left in a face down position in the water and which resulted in the modified 10-76 B-1 replacing it in 1943. The vest has some nice detail including the correct wooden peg button arrangement, crutch strap and head flotation pads to the back. This Schwimmveste is the ideal alternative for the re-enactor who does not want to risk a using an original..or who does not have a £1400 budget to purchase one! This item would also work well on a mannequin or in a museum display. We have no idea if these are being made commercially or if this is a one off ; certainly we have just the one so but it is a comfortable fit over my 42" chest (107.) Overall condition is close to mint.