Original German WWII Luftwaffe Pilot Seat Type Parachute with Harness

Original item: Only One Available. By Autoflug of Berlin, Luftwaffe Sitzfallschirm, Model 30 IS 24 (Fl. 30231).  From 1937 the British firm Irvin was contracted to supply Germany with parachutes. The Germans then continued to copy and produce their own version of the seat parachute after war broke out - hence the almost identical appearance to those used by the RAF.  This parachute was worn by fighter pilots in Me109s and Ju87s but also by other crew in aircraft with the bucket recess in the seat.  It features the copied RAF quick release (QR) box although the Germans added a safety 'key' to prevent accidental depression and potential premature release.

The webbing harness is labelled 'Fallschirmgurt' (Parachute Harness), 'Gerat Nr. 10 .2. 14, Bauart (Type) Irvin Autoflug' It also has the reference number and maker's details plus a relatively faint date of 1944. It has the correct QR box with engraved German text reading 'To Release harness : Turn and push'. Text on the side of the box reads 'Gesichert' (Safe) and 'Ensichert' (unlocked). The safety 'key' is attached via a narrow webbing lanyard secured to the harness and a wide canvas webbing waistbelt carries both the QR box and ripcord housing. The olive green reed linen pack is complete with label 'Sitzfallschirm, \Anforderz Fl 30231, Werk Nr.'  2034882, with a date of 24 FEB 1943.

The harness is in very nice condition. The QR box is fully functioning and the rip cord housing, rip cord and handle are all present. The pack is mostly sound but there are small areas which appear to have been torn and then badly-repaired by collectors. The pack appears to contain the original canopy complete with rigging lines. The harness and pack have the same Werk number indicating these have always been together and have not been 'put together'.

It is extremely difficult to find Luftwaffe parachutes and this is complete and in displayable condition. A very rare hard to find Luftwaffe pilot’s parachute, ready for further research and display.