Original Item: Only One Available. This is the first example we have seen in some time, and is definitely one of the best! This is an Original German Paratrooper (Fallschirmjäger) parachute, still packed in the original transit bag and was captured by an American soldier at the end of the war, who painted his send home information on the bag and had it shipped home. The bag reads:

FROM:
PFC. H.J. SUTTERER
3 U.S. ARMY … ENTER
APO… NEW YORK

TO: 
MRS. EDWIN SUTTERER
PERRY ISLE MISSOURI
ROUTE 1 BOX 12
U.S.A.

There is much research to be done on this young man. The parachute comes contained inside in the canvas carry bag, complete with handles and lift-the-dot closures. Condition is very good, though there is some tearing at the edge where the tan canvas meets the green trim.

Contained inside the canvas bag is a what we believe to be a totally complete never deployed silk parachute, attached to a full harness. It appears to be complete with all ropes, cords, lead lines, and the chute is a plain white color and seems to have never been unpacked. The canvas bag carrier is marked on a white data tag with:

Sprungschirm für Fallschirmtruppen (Kappe getarnt)
Gerat Nr. : 10-431-B1
Anforderz : Fl. 30272
Werk Nr. :   5081691

Additionally, the bag is stamped by the pull pin with Ju 52 and He 111, the two main aircraft used for Paratrooper deployment during WWII. The original securing line that goes around the opening is STILL fastened, so this doesn’t look to have ever been unpacked. There is no data tag on the harness that we can find. While the parachute may have never been used, it definitely has had some wear and staining occur over the long years it has existed.

The bag contained the original parachute log record book, marked RZ-20 with the same Fl. number and the same serial number, 5081691. A great addition!

This is truly an untouched piece, an Original German Fallschirmjäger Parachute, fully packed with harness in its original bag, captured and sent home by an American soldier. This is a Collectors dream, the entire package is complete and as described, but we don't think you should jump out of a plane!

The Fallschirmjäger were the paratrooper branch of the German Luftwaffe before and during World War II. They were the first German paratroopers to be committed in large-scale airborne operations and came to be known as the "green devils" by the Allied forces they fought against. The Fallschirmjäger were very effective when used in commando style raids. The Fallschirmjäger were famous for their willingness to give every effort unwaveringly even in the grimmest of situations. The Fallschirmjäger were seldom used as parachutists. Instead, they were prized for their combat abilities and frequently acted in a "fire brigade" role as roving elite infantrymen. Throughout World War II the Fallschirmjäger commander was Kurt Student.

The Luftwaffe, the air force of the German military during the Third Reich, was established in 1935. Over the next 10 years, Luftwaffe troops wore a huge variety of uniforms. Enlisted men generally wore uniforms issued from military depots. Most enlisted soldiers had wool trousers and a short jacket with two internal lower pockets, called a Fliegerbluse, as well as a dressier 4-pocket tunic, the Tuchrock. Officers wore the same general uniform styles, but as officers had to supply their own uniforms, they usually wore tailor made versions. There were also myriad varieties of specialized uniforms worn by certain units or in specific situations, from the tuxedo-style “gala” formal wear uniform of the pre-war period, to the plain coveralls worn by crews of anti-aircraft cannons. There were work uniforms, tropical and summer uniforms, and camouflage clothing for airborne troops and other Luftwaffe soldiers in ground combat. Flight crews had their own specialized gear, including leather jackets and warm, electrically heated suits. Most but not all Luftwaffe uniform jackets bore the Luftwaffe emblem of a flying eagle holding a swas.