Original U.S. WWII AAF AN6510-1 Parachute with Complete 1942-Dated Canopy and Extremely Rare PTO Backpad Survival Kit with Contents & Parachute Bag
In stock
-
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an outstanding 1942-dated USAAF WWII seat parachute model type AN-6510-1, including the Parachute, the parachute canopy which is also dated 1942, the extremely scarce PTO Backpad survival kit with the majority of its contents still inside, and an original damaged parachute bag. These are nearly impossible to find with an original canopy, let alone a complete PTO survival backpad.
The seat parachute was ideally suited for fighter pilots, but not for aircrew who required freedom to move, such as on large bomber aircraft. The improved designs of the newest chest and back type parachutes quickly rendered the seat type obsolete. As soon as the Quick Attachable Chest (QAC) and back types became available, the old seat types would be exchanged and returned to stock. Consequently, when production of seat parachutes ceased in late 1943, the surplus stocks lasted to the end of the war. By July 1943, AAF stocks boasted an excess stock of 104,478 seat parachutes assemblies.
This AN-6510-1 parachute was manufactured in December 1942 by the Standard Parachute Corporation in San Diego, California. The business was a great wartime success, starting with thirty employees, ultimately employing hundreds in San Diego, mostly women, while producing over 150,000 parachutes solely for the military. The company closed in September 1945 with the cessation of hostilities, having fulfilled its role admirably.
The canopy bag is stamped:
PART NO. 42N2004–1
STANDARD PARACHUTE CORPN.
MFG’D DEC 1942
The harness is stamped with the same date, making this a great matching set. The side of the canopy bag is stamped with serial number 42-204528, which matches the Parachute Inspection and Drop Test Card held in the small pocket on the bottom. This card also shows the two times the parachute was tested on February 1st, 1943 and March 25th, 1943, at S.A.A.D. and Lawson Field, Georgia, respectively. This card confirms that this set has always been together.
Also attached is an extremely rare PTO Backpad Survival Kit complete with its contents. This was designed for pilots who had to bail out, with several pieces of equipment crucial for survival. The contents include a USAAF Camillus Airmen's Folding Survival Machete with Rare Blade Guard, a container of matches, a Tourniquet in the box, a very long flare still sealed, a Baystate medium oil stone, a bottle of Mayfair Insect repellent, a bag with some medical items, a tube of “jelly for burns” though the tube is broken open and the contents are making the interior dirty, and a small bottle that likely once had water purification tablets, and a small hat net likely for mosquitos. There is also a great Eagle Brand “Water Bag” with the original tags in unissued condition. Amazing piece. This is an outstanding set to find with the original contents like this, especially still attached to its parachute. The kit retains both of its CONMAR marked zippers.
The set also includes an Aviator’s Kit bag which is now heavily damaged with the zipper torn along its seam on one side, so it should not be used to store the items. It is stamped:
AVIATOR’S KIT BAG
0158791
This is an outstanding AAF AN6510-1 parachute set, ready to fit on a mannequin or display on its own!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
We Buy Military Antiques
Our team expert buyers travels the world to pay fair prices for entire estate collections to singular items.
START SELLING TODAY
