Japanese WW2 Army and Navy Parachute

This is a new old stock Japanese WW2 Army and Navy Parachute.

The canvas case, rope cording and webbing is in perfect condition. The suspension lines are in tact and look great. The parachute, likely silk, is similarly bright and pristine.

The label indicates “General Use Parachute” with a “Showa 19 – 8th Month” (August 1944) date of manufacture.

The suspension lines are folded into the bottom of the pack tray. They are followed by the parachute. The top of the chute has a static line that is attached to the tray via thread. Upon deployment the string breaks allowing the parachute to capture air and inflate. Each of the top flaps is numbered 1 to 4 so that the rigger can close these flaps in proper sequence.

These parachutes were used for many purposes by Army or Navy Paratroopers. The four rope loops on the bottom of the pack tray would be used to attach machine-guns, cases of ammunition, mortar shells, anti-tank shells, field hospital equipment, large radios etc. These very heavy items had to be dropped simultaneously with the Japanese Paras. Dropping this type of equipment attached to the individual para risked injury to a highly trained soldier or sailor which the planners were unwilling to do. As you know Paratroops are light infantry and need to have all this type of equipment dropped with them. The alternative is to face being overrun by armor, massed infantry, losing a battle through ammunition depletion, lack of communication with higher command or being unable to care for the wounded who always appear due to jump injuries or combat.

The paper document indicates it was put on the market in 1989 and was then acquired from Manion's auction possibly from an active duty Marine.