RAF Seat Type Parachute Harness

By G.Q.  Parachute, Single point, quick release with seat pack. Type C-2.  Stores reference 15A/197. Commonly referred to as the 'pilot's parachute'.  Classic white webbing with a central pale blue fleck.  Correct fully rounded quick release (QR) box, waistbelt, ripcord housing, ripcord and handle. With pack and backpad. The parachute pack itself is in a deep chocolate brown coloured canvas with label printed with clear Air Ministry King's crown mark, 'G.Q.' and serial number. Lacks bungee cords. The pack is currently empty/padded for display but comes with the original wartime Irvin Air Chute IAC). I.24 Mk.1 silk canopy (24' diameter) with clear '28 JUN. 1940' manufacture date and A.I.D marks. It appears to be complete with full rigging lines and whilst a bit grubby, is in very good overall condition.  Also comes with matching spring loaded A.M marked IAC drogue parachute also dated 28 JUN 1940.

The overall appearance of the webbing harness appears is in very good clean condition but closer inspection reveals that the risers have been cut and then glued and 'sleeved'  There is also a stitched repair close to where the pack is attached (see photos).  It is labelled 'G.Q., 'PILOT', with serial number, War Department broad arrow and 1940 date.  The harness and pack have very similar serial number 160222 and 160282 indicating a very close production run. The pack is generally in very good condition but has one hole at the edge of a side panel.  No seat cushion is fitted. The backpad is in a matching dark chocolate colour and in good condition with no obvious markings.  Finally this assembly comes with a matching 'chocolate' coloured parachute bag in good condition bar light soiling. The owner has modified the base with a plywood insert bolted through the bottom of the bag for extra rigidity.  This is invisble in use.  The bag is unmarked but has a War Department broad arrow marked zip.
Whilst it is a shame that the harness has been cut at some point this remains a  good example of  a rare early 'chocolate' coloured wartime seat harness and an impressive display piece.  More photos are available on request. Stock code S16800.