WWII Kapok Life Jackets/Vests
The Canvas Shack is now reproducing the hard-to-find Kapok Life Vests used during World War II for reenactors, education, motion pictures and historical display.
Shown here is the LATE WAR inside with authentic style label, along with the neck flotation support. Careful research has duplicated the look and feel of the original design down to colors, hardware and and stitching including reinforcements and pockets.
|
Shown here is EARLY WAR back and outside chest panels and you can see how the neck flotation support flanks the head just as the original. All flotational versions are functional, and although not yet Coast Guard approved, will easily support even heavier adults.
|
Four Variations to Choose From - Including Recently Developed FlexFoamFill
Choose early war prop/display, early war functional/flotation, or late war prop/display or late war functional/flotation.
The early war version has a slightly extended headrest and a belt that ties. The late war version has a slightly shorter headrest and a heavier belt with an adjuster, hook and d-ring.
The prop/display model is non-functional as a flotation device, but very closely emulates the originals for period accuracy utilizing cotton fabric and a poly fill that most closely replicated the original milkweed and kapok fiber stuffing.
The functional/flotation version now features our EXCLUSIVE FlexFoamFill vastly improving the look and feel of milkweed and kapok, as well as all synthetic materials for mold/mildew and fade resistance. Functional versions will stand up to heavy duty use such as in reenactments and regular shipboard use on historical sites, as well as provide flotation in the event the user ends up in the water. Although not yet Coast Guard approved, we have tested our units and they exceed the Coast Guard standard of providing 20+ pounds of flotation.
The early war version has a slightly extended headrest and a belt that ties. The late war version has a slightly shorter headrest and a heavier belt with an adjuster, hook and d-ring.
The prop/display model is non-functional as a flotation device, but very closely emulates the originals for period accuracy utilizing cotton fabric and a poly fill that most closely replicated the original milkweed and kapok fiber stuffing.
The functional/flotation version now features our EXCLUSIVE FlexFoamFill vastly improving the look and feel of milkweed and kapok, as well as all synthetic materials for mold/mildew and fade resistance. Functional versions will stand up to heavy duty use such as in reenactments and regular shipboard use on historical sites, as well as provide flotation in the event the user ends up in the water. Although not yet Coast Guard approved, we have tested our units and they exceed the Coast Guard standard of providing 20+ pounds of flotation.
Faithful Reproduction and Function
These reproductions were meticulously researched and the pattern was carefully created to duplicate the look and feel of the original Kapok, But too, modern materials have been employed to enhance functionality, durability and practical use. For functional versions, rather than original natural materials such as cotton-like fluff from the kapok tree or milkweed and cotton fabric, synthetics are used to bring your Kapok up to modern safety standards and improved durability and longevity. For museum and motion picture quality prop/display versions, cotton fabric is utilized as with the originals for that period accurate look and feel, with a poly fill that most closely emulates milkweed and kapok. This version is now on display at several nationally recognized museums across the United States and have appeared in major motion pictures as well as documentaries on PBS, the History Channel and others.
Durable Materials - Functional/Flotation Version
Your realistic, war period Kapok is updated with modern synthetic materials, yet has the feel and appearance of war period cotton fabrics. Also note that hardware is marine grade stainless steel. Synthetics will not rot or be effected by mold and mildew like the original fabrics, and won't sunbleach. The fill is also synthetic and won't rot like the original kapok or milkweed natural fibers. It's also treated with durable waterproofing to shed spray, so it won't soak when used in real conditions. For those hardcore reenactors who want that used, gritty look, you can employ a variety of weathering techniques to give it that raw, wartime appearance! Simply contact us for advice!
Field Tested, Reenactor, Museum and Motion Picture Approved
Introduced at the Conneaut, Ohio, D-Day event in August of 2016, our initial run of vests were field tested in the LST beach landings and widely approved and enthusiastically accepted by the attending reenactors. Shown in action below during the beach landings, our vests are hardly distinguishable from the originals. We received the photo on the far right from one happy customer who Photoshopped himself wearing one of our vests into an original WWII photograph (show at right below).
|
|
|
New Sizing and Early War Patterning!
|
Originally introduced in Regular and Large, the demands of today's users have prompted us to introduce a full line of four sizes, Regular, Medium, Large and Extra-Large. During the war, only one size was produced, but today people are physically larger to begin with, so we're accommodating that need. Also, we've had requests for the earlier war pattern (1941 to mid-1943 shown at right), which differs slightly from our original introduction. Instead of a heavy webbing belt with hardware, the early war version tied with webbing tape. There is also a slight difference in the shape of the headrest. If you prefer this early war pattern, simply indicate your choice with your ordering information! (See Below)
|
|
Motion Picture Prop Versions
We have provided prop-only versions to the motion picture industry. Demands for the appearance of these Kapoks can be quite high for the camera, therefore we make fairly substantial changes. All are custom ordered and you need to chat with us prior to placing your order so we can accommodate your needs. We revert to all-cotton fabrics. Cotton moves and looks slightly differently when being filmed. We also replace our flotation fill with a "fluff" fill that more closely emulates kapok or milkweed. For that reason, these versions are NOT FLOTATION DEVICES and are intended for PROP AND DISPLAY purposes only. We are also capable of modifications to accommodate wiring for sound, or prepare your units, such as weathering or color matching, for your film project. Contact us for pricing and to discuss your needs!
The Color Discussion
Since the introduction of our Reproduction WWII Kapok Life Jackets/Vests quite a bit of discussion has emerged about the color of original units. We feel it's important for you to know wartime conditions and how it applies to color. You have to remember that the rush to fulfill the needs during the war meant getting items into the hands of the soldier or sailor as quickly as possible, and in astounding numbers in a short time. The War Department and even suppliers were far more concerned about getting things delivered than they were with strict adherence to color specifications.
Prior to the war, Kapoks were yellow, a safety feature to spot a sailor in the water, but they quickly learned that a yellow dot proved an excellent target for the enemy, so the color spec was changed to "gray" like so many other items were colored in the Navy. That specification of "gray" was far looser than today's military specifications. The rush was on, and tooling up to produce the thousands of Kapoks needed went to virtually any supplier with sewing machines. From the mills to the novelty companies and canvas producers that made them, getting them delivered far outweighed strict adherence to color, so dye lots varied, effecting how they appeared both off the production line and over time in how they weathered. For those of you who believe in a strict adherence to a certain color or colors, real wartime conditions simply didn't allow for it. Most reenactors who study the war know these were the actual conditions.
Prior to the war, Kapoks were yellow, a safety feature to spot a sailor in the water, but they quickly learned that a yellow dot proved an excellent target for the enemy, so the color spec was changed to "gray" like so many other items were colored in the Navy. That specification of "gray" was far looser than today's military specifications. The rush was on, and tooling up to produce the thousands of Kapoks needed went to virtually any supplier with sewing machines. From the mills to the novelty companies and canvas producers that made them, getting them delivered far outweighed strict adherence to color, so dye lots varied, effecting how they appeared both off the production line and over time in how they weathered. For those of you who believe in a strict adherence to a certain color or colors, real wartime conditions simply didn't allow for it. Most reenactors who study the war know these were the actual conditions.
The Sizing Discussion
The war period was obviously quite different than the world we know today. We had just come out of The Great Depression where nutrition was poor for the majority of the population. At that time, people were shorter and thinner, with waist sizes on males commonly 26 to 32 inches and shoe sizes rarely exceeding size 9. There was only one Kapok size available, which is why we call our small version a "Regular." This would have been the regular size available to the average sailor, Marine or other personnel. These days, it's necessary to fit a wide range of sized, yet still maintain an original appearance. We offer Regular, Medium, Large and Extra Large. Should your size requirements exceed Extra Large, please contact us for special tailoring and pricing.
NOTICE PLEASE
Low worldwide demand requires us to state the following:
Units are custom built to order in batches only. We make every effort to complete production runs expeditiously, however, runs are exclusively initiated by minimum quantity for orders accumulated. If our minimum is not met, even over a period of months, runs are not initiated and orders remain on hold. Runs are only started once our minimum is met. No start date is promised at any time. All deposits are non-refundable.
.
Easy Ordering and Competitive Pricing!
These vests are considered a "specialty item" and are produced in batches. For this reason, they sell out quickly and are frequently out of stock! Pre-ordering is the best way to ensure you obtain one in a timely fashion. Although they only produced one size in the war, we have four sizes for your convenience: Regular (to fit approximately 36 to 40), Medium (the 40-44 range), Large (approximately 44 to 48), and Extra-Large (48 and above).
We accept orders by either snail mail or PayPal (instructions provided below) and feel free to call us with any questions. ALL OF OUR VESTS ARE PROUDLY HAND-CRAFTED IN OUR SHOP IN THE UNITED STATES.
Call today to see what's in our shop or to reserve a vest from our next batch.
We accept orders by either snail mail or PayPal (instructions provided below) and feel free to call us with any questions. ALL OF OUR VESTS ARE PROUDLY HAND-CRAFTED IN OUR SHOP IN THE UNITED STATES.
Call today to see what's in our shop or to reserve a vest from our next batch.
PROP/DISPLAY MODELS - Early Model Tied Webbing Belt
|
Fits approximately 34 to 38.
Regular Size $339
|
Fits Approximately 40-44.
Medium Size $369
|
Fits approximately 44-48.
Large Size $389
|
Fits 48 and above.
Extra Large Size $409
|
PROP/DISPLAY MODELS - Late Model Stainless Steel Buckle, Spring Hook and D-ring
Regular Size $359
|
Medium Size $389
|
Large Size $409
|
Extra Large Size $429
|
FUNCTIONAL/FLOTATION MODELS with FlexFoamFill - Early Model Tied Webbing Belt
|
Fits approximately 34 to 38.
Regular Size $369 |
Fits Approximately 40-44.
Medium Size $389
|
Fits approximately 44-48.
Large Size $419
|
Fits 48 and above.
Extra Large Size $439
|
FUNCTIONAL/FLOTATION MODELS with FlexFoamFill - Late Model Stainless Steel Buckle, Spring Hook and D-ring
Regular Size $389
|
Medium Size $409
|
Large Size $439
|
Extra Large Size $459
|
Please note that sizing is approximate and not guaranteed as a condition of sale. You may choose our standard late war period pattern or our early war pattern. Standard construction for functional/flotation is with made with all new synthetic materials. For motion picture, display or educational models construction is with all new all cotton materials for period accuracy.
Also please note that accepting delivery of any non-flotation orders AUTOMATICALLY accepts your EXPRESS Waiver of Liability of any loss or injury up to and including death. These units are not intended as flotation devices and The Canvas Shack cannot be held liable for their use once shipped and received. Units are clearly marked as "This Life Jacket is for prop and display purposes ONLY. NOT A FLOTATION DEVICE."
Also please note that accepting delivery of any non-flotation orders AUTOMATICALLY accepts your EXPRESS Waiver of Liability of any loss or injury up to and including death. These units are not intended as flotation devices and The Canvas Shack cannot be held liable for their use once shipped and received. Units are clearly marked as "This Life Jacket is for prop and display purposes ONLY. NOT A FLOTATION DEVICE."
Batches and Bulk Orders
All our production runs are done in batches. We rarely have units available for instant ordering, but feel free to inquire about our current stock. Batches are based on a minimum of units and are frequently Spring and Fall. Groups are welcome to inquire about special runs with a minimum of units. Depending on your quantity and required delivery time, bulk discounts may be available, however keep in mind that these Kapoks are very complex and time consuming to produce and our margin is quite small to remain competitive.
How to Place Your Order
|
When placing your order we need six things from you:
Please note the minimum deposit to process your order. Once we have everything we need, we'll produce your Reproduction WWII Kapok Life Jacket/Vest with our batch then send you an invoice with your balance due -- including your shipping charges and the deduction of your deposit. Your balance, including shipping, will have to be paid prior to shipment. Please contact us for non-U.S. orders. Please note that deposits are non-refundable, so please be sure you're ready to place your order! |
|
Payment by U.S. Postal Service
You can send your check or money order by postal mail directly to our shop:
The Canvas Shack 734 West Route 313 Perkasie, PA 18944 Please include your shipping address, size choice and contact info. Balance, including shipping, must be paid in full prior to shipment. |
Payment through PayPal
We accept secure payments online through PayPal, but they will need to be made directly to Don (PayPal commercial rates are prohibitive). To do this, you should "Send as a gift" to the following address:
donsweet@verizon.net Please include your name, shipping address, contact information and size choice. Balance, including shipping, must be paid in full prior to shipment. Full documentation of your purchase will be included. |
Group Discounts
Part of a group? Call today to find out more information about our volume discounts and special runs for group orders.
|
Shipping Rates
Shipping charges are based on your location. We make every effort to keep your shipping costs to a minimum. Rush services are available if needed. Contact us for details.
|
Returns
Returns are accepted, but must be prearranged and approved. Non-authorized returns must be refused. Of course, we have a high level of confidence that no returns will be necessary!
|
Please call 215-249-3333 with any questions you may have, or email Don directly at donsweet@verizon.net. We're more than happy to ensure your WWII U.S. Navy Kapok Life Jacket/Vest purchase is a smooth and simple experience!