Original German WWII Luftwaffe RH 12B Rückenschirm Back Parachute Assembly Named to Major Müller - No Parachute
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Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very scarce original German WWII Luftwaffe RH 12B Rückenschirm, or back parachute, harness and pack assembly named to an officer identified as Major Müller. The assembly retains its parachute pack, harness webbing, quick-release box, release cord, and handle, together with several partially legible wartime markings. The parachute canopy is no longer present, and one side of the pack has damage exposing part of the internal wooden support structure.
The RH 12B was a back-worn parachute system developed for Luftwaffe aircrew. Unlike seat-type parachutes, the packed canopy was carried behind the wearer and secured by an integrated harness.
Back parachutes of this general configuration were used by pilots and other aircrew in aircraft where cockpit seating and available space permitted their use. They are particularly associated by collectors with Luftwaffe fighter aviation, although no aircraft or unit marking connects this example specifically with the Focke-Wulf Fw 190.
This example has some good retained markings, including an inscription naming it to an officer:
Major Müller
17/20/16 Fr.
The parachute bag is marked:
Parachute Allemann
RB Nr. 0/0798/57…
Dorae….nais
ALL. 32 No. 56970
Werkksetrelle 1
Several portions are worn or indistinct and cannot be transcribed confidently. The wording has been preserved as closely as possible pending examination of clear, closely focused photographs.
There is no canopy inside of the bag. The harness itself has some heavy damage to one side with tearing of the canvas revealing the wooden rod construction. 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 release cord and handle are retained but detached as the parachute is gone.
The named Major Müller inscription, RH 12B configuration, partial RBNr. marking, retained quick-release box, surviving release handle, and exposed internal construction give this assembly considerable value as a study of Luftwaffe aircrew survival equipment. The missing canopy, detached release components, faded markings, and major tear are substantial condition limitations, but the surviving equipment remains a scarce example of a German WWII back parachute system.
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.
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