Japanese Pilot's One Man Naval Life Raft

[Bobby R.]

For those interested in Japanese aviation, I have posted a pic of a one-man navy pilot's life raft. made of a rbberized canvas, with typical red/yellow pin wheel colors. Folds up into the khaki rectangular bag shown. Came with foot pump bellows, tools, 3 piece paddle and other misc items. As soft as the day it was made & will hold air for about 2 weeks. I have seen a larger 2 man raft that was a silver/red alternating color pattern with what I recall a rope mesh bottom. This one was stiff as a board and would not dispaly well. Tough item to find. Took 32 years to locate one.

[Dean Brock]

Bob,
Nice raft!!!I remember when that one came up! And a great bonus that it still holds air!

[kaigunair]

wow, very nice set up. is everything original on the pilot?

very neat.

[Dan T.]

Very cool display.

Is that aircraft fabric in the background?

[Bobby R.]

Yes, that is a very large piece of a complete meatball I had framed. Colors as bright as the day it was souvenired. Fabric, not medal. From a seaplane.

and yes the pilot and everything he wears is real.

[Bobby R.]

Here is a pic of the paddles. 4 pieces, not 3.

[kaigunair]

very nice pieces, oxygen mask and green round rating... uber rare!!!

Neat-o

[Jareth]

Bob, very nice set up. Did an east coast collector fill up your raft with hot air?

[Gene]

Bob, very nice set up. Did an east coast collector fill up your raft with hot air?

Jareth, can you explain what you mean for those of us who don't know of whom you're speaking? I would love to acquire a complete setup like Bobby has displayed and if there's someone to look out for, I'd like to know about him.

[Dean Brock]

Bob, very nice set up. Did an east coast collector fill up your raft with hot air?

Hope your not talking about me partner I've been accused of filling a room with bad air but never "hot air"