unique c. 1920's vintage industrial "horseshoe" life jacket with naturally aged wear and tear from years of exposure to the elements. the hand-stitched canvas covered nautical flotation device contains a hand-painted white and red finish. the segmented pouches contain watertight cells filled with kapok, a vegetal material, which were much more flexible and more comfortable to wear compared with devices utilizing hard cork pieces. a thin bent wood strap is attached to the inner edge of the preserver to provide structural stability or maintain its form. original old hemp rope runs along the outer perimeter. fabricator unknown. salvaged from a great lakes transport ship.