Adopted by the RAF in February 1933, the Observer Harness was employed extensively by English, Canadian, and later by US fliers. The Observer was standard issue for Bomber Command crewmen on the Lancaster, Halifax, and many others. This reproduction is crafted by The Rigger Depot, the same team who build all the parachutes for the "Masters of The Air" miniseries, "SAS Rogue Heroes" and many others. Every detail is painstakingly copied, and it is entirely MADE IN USA.

 Nearly 80 feet of custom woven Type VIII webbing is painstakingly interwoven and layered (8 layers thick at points!) to form the harness element. The rare fully circular release box is entirely functional, ejecting all 4 release lugs for instantaneous release. Custom stainless metalwork has the proper wartime stamps (no postwar AML marks!) Spring clip retainers at the chest position the hooks for quick attachment, and custom manufactured stainless square rings at the hip facilitate the dinghy pack. The early drab brown color back pad is filled with genuine felt padding, and uses original shuttle loom webbing retainers. All webbings ends have the proper anti-fray coating - a period correct mixture. No detail is overlooked, from the Irvin label on reverse back strap, to the stamped inspection markings, and AM Crown stamps on chest webs. Also included for free is the Observer parachute manual.

NOTE: Yes, this is $100 more expensive than The Rigger Depot manufacturer website - this covers the ebay fees. Sorry, we can't match the cheaper $465 price on ebay. The Rigger Depot also makes the accompanying chest pack if you want to complete your harness.

SHIPPING NOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: Shipping is free for most of Europe, but costs slightly more for Switzerland and Czech Republic. For those countries, please contact before ordering.