The Intoxicating Aroma of N.O.S.

Why do I get so excited about opening (and writing about) New Old Stock parts? There is something infinitely cool about cracking open a time capsule and being the first person to see or touch some part in 40, 50, or in this case, over 66 years… I used to rummage around an amazing aircraft salvage yard called ‘California Airframe Parts’ located in a dingy complex that was spitting distance from the Oakland Airport. The shelves were stocked with N.O.S. military and civilian aircraft bits that would make any traditional hot rod guy immediately begin drooling: Gauges, marker lamps, toggle switches, and yes, killer seat belts like the ones you see here. I bought these little gems nearly 20 years ago and plum forgot about them till recently. Tonight I cracked open one of the two “Belt: Safety, Lap, Detachable, Troop'” boxes dated April 1953, took some pictures for your viewing pleasure. I’m amazed at how perfectly preserved the belt that I opened is. Very little tarnishing, nice leather and the latch worked perfectly the first time I tried it. Very cool…