July 12-14, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2022
Excellent example of a World War II Imperial Japanese Navy seat parachute that was captured by members of the 11th Airborne Division. The silk parachute is contained in its original bag that is constructed of green canvas with yellow trim. The parachute bag retains its original specification tag with legible ink markings and is dated Showa "1944 June 15". The front of the parachute is decorated in ink with various locations where the 11th Airborne division was stationed throughout Japan during the occupation. The top reads "Yokahama.", "Japan" (contained in a mock up of the rising sun), and "Atsuigi, Air Port.", which is where the 11th Airborne Division was ordered to land at on August 28, 1945. The bottom reads "Tokyo", Camp Charles P Loeper. Japan", and "Tagajo". Camp Charles P. Loeper was named after Major Charles P. Loeper, a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native and a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross who was a member of the 188th Glider Infantry Regiment of the 11th Airborne Division. Loeper was killed in action on February 8, 1945 when he valiantly lead his men in an attack against Japanese machine gun positions. The parachute is named in the same ink on the back "11 A/B Div. / Pfc. A.M. Zygmunt". CONDITION: The parachute exhibits various scuffs and stains on the green canvas. Stitching is tight. Markings exhibit slight fading. Chords exhibit slight fraying in areas. Label exhibits foxing. Both snaps show surface rust but remain functional. Overall good. This is an excellent example of a WWII Japanese parachute with even better capture annotations from a renowned Airborne Division which would compliment a Pacific Theater display or 11th Airborne collection. JLD
Item Dimensions: 17" x 17" x 9"