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. 1904-1915. Lightweight natural canvas sewn at edges; aluminum metal tube valve; black printing on both sides is the same. Uninflated: 23" wide x 11" high. An early life preserver / jacket. This object appears to be an earlier model than objects catalog 2002.008.0006 which appears to be from the 1920s; it has a different shape, size, directions, an inflation valve with wood mouthpiece and much more printed text. Three patent dates are listed, but no patent numbers: May 7, 1901; Jan. 7, 1902; May 24, 1904. Text printed in oval below the patent dates: Water-Wings are all made one size, guaranteed to support a person of 250 lbs. as well as a child of 50 lbs., both on the correct level to swim or float. Water-Wings are purposely made porous, to allow just enough air to escape in order to adjust themselves properly. A large body requiring less air to float than a smaller one, forces more air out of the Wings than the latter, and automatically adjusts itself. Just enough air always remains in the Wings and no more. At the center near the valve are printed directions. DIRECTIONS: Wash thoroughly until no dry spot is left. Blow up with the mouth so the air bubbles all over. Press on the ring mark. Apply around the waist or back. [following text is in boldface and underlined] Not Under the Arms.