The Type H-1 bailout cylinder was standardized for use by the US Army Air Forces in October, 1941, and declared obsolete four years later as it was replaced by the Type H-2. This emergency item contained enough oxygen for about ten minutes consumption. It was intended to be used during bailout at high altitudes where the air was thin and the flier wished to remain conscious during descent.
As seen in this example, the steel cylinder of the H-1 is contained in a canvas bag. The cylinder is secured in the bag by a braided lace, and the bag itself has two heavy O.D. straps for tying to a leg or thigh, or to the parachute harness. The bag also has a side compartment for holding the folded rubber tubing, this example has its rubber tube although in pieces, and is missing the wooden ball & wire. The canvas bag is stamped as U.S. AIRFORCE BAILOUT BREATHING OXYGEN DWG. NO. 42G7365. The writing is still completely legible and bold. The green bottle is stamped with a myriad of markings. In addition to the large printed markings on the bag and bottle, as seen in the images, there are also some stamped markings on the valve assembly and bottle. The case is dirty with stains and holes from either service during the war or storage. The tie straps are all present but were intended to cut off if the carrier was stitched onto a uniform. Overall a great example for any US Militaria collector or Masters of The Air fan!
