Visible in vintage photographs of Luftwaffe aviators and aircrewmen, the "rueckenfallschirm" would give the crew of a doomed aircraft a fighting chance at making it to the ground alive. 1) The main frame of the unit is a brown-painted aluminum panel, which serves as the mounting point for the chute and the tan canvas web straps. One large canvas panel serves as the holding point for the steel-handled ripcord and the quick-release buckle for the straps. Part of the webbing bears a 5 May 1941 dated tag, with a faint maker's mark and serial number. A similarly marked and dated tag is present on the canvas case for the chute itself, with the maker's mark appearing to be Richard von Kebler and Son, and a set of six elastic straps are connected via hooks to the edges of the case, to ensure prompt opening on release. The parachute is visible through the gaps in the case, a white silk or rayon material with matching colored rigging. A small logbook, numbered to match the rig, is tucked into a pouch behind the latch, bearing inspection stamps for 1943 and 1944. 2) Similar in general construction to #1, but with a gray painted steel baseplate and green canvas webbing. The ripcord is controlled by a red and white painted "pull ball", connected to the main mechanism via a flexible steel tool, and instead of a single central buckle are a pair of quick-release latches at the shoulders. A thicker protective pad is installed on the back panel, and the tag on the canvas chute case lacks a date or maker's mark. No elastic straps are installed, and the fit of the case is too tight to view the chute itself. A canvas rucksack to carry the chute is also included. Both items in the lot are formerly of the collection of George Petersen.

1) fine overall, with mild stains and wear. The elastic straps show some fraying and tearing, but are generally solid. The latch is a bit stiff, and the ripcord is untested. 2) fine, with mild handling and wear overall. The ripcord is untested, and the parachute itself is uninspected. A few small tears are present in the rucksack.