Collections Item Detail

DescriptionAyvad's Water-Wings, a floatation device to aid in swimming, manufactured by The Ayvad Manufacturing Co., Hoboken, N.J., no date, ca. 1925-1930. Lightweight natural canvas sewn at edges; aluminum metal tube valve with wood mouth piece; black printing on both sides is the same. Uninflated: 30" wide x 9" high. An early life preserver / jacket. See objects 2007.003.0005 for another one which is apparently at least several years earlier and is significantly different in shape, size, directions and amount of text as well as having simpler inflation valve. On one wing there is this printed text: "Notice. Over 21,500,000 Water Wings Sold in 25 years. Many of the prominent long distance and Channel Swimmers learned on Water Wings. Air tight rubber bags prevent learning to swim. They hold the body too high..." Below that text is promotional text for another product they manufactured, Water-Dogs. At the end of that text is "Guaranteed by The Ayvad Mfg. Co., Hoboken, N.J." The patents dates or patent numbers do not appear on this item. Text printed in oval below the product name (with vignette of swimmer using the product): "Water-Wings are all made one size, guaranteed to support a person 50 to 250 lbs. on the correct level to float. A large body requires less air than a smaller one; therefore, the wings are made purposely porous so that it should leak a little to adjust itself properly. Enough air always remains in the wings." At the center near the valve are printed directions. DIRECTIONS: Wash well no dry spot is left. Blow up so the air bubbles all over. Press on the ring mark. Apply on waist. Not Under the Arms.