This is an original WW2 U.S. military Emergency Signaling Mirror ESM/1, complete with its original waterproof issue packet and lanyard. The ESM/1 was standard survival equipment issued to U.S. Army Air Forces and naval personnel, most commonly included in aircrew survival kits and life raft packs for use following ditching at sea or forced landings.

The mirror features the correct central aiming cross, a key design element that allowed sunlight to be accurately directed toward aircraft or rescue vessels over considerable distances. When used correctly, the ESM/1 could produce a highly visible reflected signal far more effective than flares in daylight conditions. Instructions for correct use are printed directly on the reverse of the mirror, with additional instructions printed on the original paper packet.

The survival packet is clearly marked “One Emergency Signaling Mirror ESM/1 – Waterproof” and attributes manufacture to General Electric, a major U.S. wartime contractor responsible for producing a wide range of signalling and survival equipment during WWII. The square mirror format with lanyard is characteristic of wartime production and differs from later post-war plastic-bodied signalling mirrors.

The mirror remains intact and reflective, with the aiming cross clearly visible. The lanyard is present and original. The paper packet shows expected age-related wear, creasing, and handling marks consistent with wartime issue, but remains legible and complete. Overall, this is a scarce and desirable example of original WW2 U.S. survival equipment, particularly appealing due to the presence of the original packet, which is seldom found surviving with the mirror.

What’s remarkable about this piece is that the actual mirror itself is in very good condition. All too often pieces like this end up delaminating through the years but as the pictures show, this one hasn’t. In-fact, the condition overall for the mirror is very good, and also included is the original waterproof packet as stated earlier – there were usually discarded or are in such bad condition people don’t display them. The box itself has some wear and dark marks on it (see photos) but the flap works perfectly.