T5 Parachute : authentication

[Malmaison]

Hello,

 

What do you think about this complete T5 parachute?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Best regards, Florent.

 

 

[Malmaison]

Next photos :

 

 

[WWII Parachutist]

The brother of this T-5 was actually discussed a couple years back in this thread: http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/273940-t5-parachute/

 

Although many of the materials, such as the webbing and hardware, appear to be original, there are many stitching & assembly inaccuracies that identify it as a reproduction. Here are some of the same problems noted on the other parachute (more listed in the link)

 

Harness:

1) Chest strap region: This is the 2nd pattern, double reinforced version. The April 1943 date is several months too early for that pattern. The entire upper box-x stitching is missing from the upper D-ring restraint web (hidden under the chest strap canvas). Also, the confluence wraps should be closer in to the D-ring. Having built a number of these myself, I can attest that it takes quite a bit of practice and skill to properly sew that close around the D-ring. The chest strap webbing is also too wide. The hardware should be snugly mounted close up to the canvas with just enough webbing extended for the hardware.

2) The saddle is way off. First, the saddle pad canvas is much too wide and the quilt pattern looks to be off. They also missed two lines of stitching on the leg strap saddle wrap. The dimension between the lower confluence wrap and saddle pad is at least a full inch too short.

Pack Assembly:

1) The canvas aperture for the static line should have the 9/16” Type I reinforcement webbing on the inside. It also lacks the second stitch line around it.

2) Pack tray: I believer that serial number is in the block assigned to a different manufacturer, this does not appear to be an Irving serial block. Pack retention webs appear to be too long and sewn incorrectly. The hand tacking is very different from what you would normally see.

There are other problems identified in the other thread, but those are the most glaring.

Joshua DeJong

[Malmaison]

Hello,

 

Thank you so much Joshua!

 

What a detailed answer!

 

Best regards, Florent.