BACKGROUND: As a result of observations of the Russian experimentation with the newly developing paratroop personnel in 1928 the Germans began serious consideration of also developing paratroop units and plans were drawn up for formation of such units in late 1935. Both the Luftwaffe, (Air-{Weapon}, Force), and Heer, (Army), eventually established paratrooper units, consisting of voluntary personnel, on January 29TH 1936 and March 31ST 1937 respectively and a paratroop training school was established at Stendal in early 1937. Originally development of special clothing and equipment was undertaken by both branches of service to provide the paratroopers with functional items specifically designed with parachute jumps in mind until January 1ST 1939 when all the paratrooper units were transferred to control of the Luftwaffe. During WWII the German's utilized no fewer then eighteen models of parachutes with minor variations to each. Parachutes used by paratroopers were the automatic type with a static line attached to the aircraft which pulled the pilot chute from the bag, deploying the main parachute, when the individual exited the aircraft while the parachutes utilized by aircrew personnel were the manual type with a pull rip-cord for deployment which also released a pilot chute. The parachutes were not personal items but were retained by the units stores and were distributed as required.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly 72cm x 72cm eight panel, white silk construction pilot parachute with a four piece, steel rod frame with a central hub, machine stitched seams, eight, white, rayon guide cords and assorted inspection inkstamps. One small tear and some period stains.