The Mae West was a common nickname for a Type B-4 life preserver, used during WWII by the allies. The B-4 was invented by James F. Boyle. Handcast in solid, lead-free pewter, each of our pins is an original three dimensional sculpture signed by the artist, Jim Clift. Individually packaged on one of our signature presentation cards, our pins arrive ready for gift giving! Handcrafted in our studio in Coventry, RI, our pins are 100% US made.