Item: ONJR25OL0071

Original U.S. WWII Named Fighter Pilot AN6511-1 Parachute by National Automotive Fibres with Rigging

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  • Original Item. Only One Available. This is an outstanding example of an AN6511-1 parachute manufactured by the National Automotive Fibres during World War II. The parachute is well-secured with its original rigging and is even named. This type of parachute would have been worn by fighter pilots, not paratroopers.


    The parachute itself retains the data information:


    AN6511-1 PARACHUTE
    M’F’D BY NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE FIBRES, Inc.
    Detroit, Michigan. 
    Government No. 42-488694


    The opposite side has a manufacture date of May 1943. The seat cushion retains its stamped information as well:


    A-N PARACHUTE SEAT CUSHION
    PART NO. 47565-1
    CONTRACT NO. W535-AC-25571
    NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE FIBRES, INC.
    DATE OF MFG. APR 9 1943


    The back of the cushion is stenciled:


    LT. WILLIAM D. BATES
    O-497625


    We have been unable to identify Lt. William D. Bates, making for a worthwhile research project. We did find a Flight Officer William D. Bates who served with the 334th Fighter Squadron and suffered mechanical failure and abandoned A/C over the North Sea, and died at sea, but as he was only a Flight Officer, we cannot say with certainty that this belonged to him, but there is certainly a chance. 


    This is a tremendous set to find in this set, with great research potential! Comes ready for further research and display.


  • This product is available for international shipping.
  • Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle

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