T-5: Market Garden (Modified)

After the experience of many veterans in Normandy, SHAEF commanded that all T-5 harnesses be retrofitted with the single point quick release box. This retrofitting was done by the parachute riggers on a crash basis by hacking off both chest straps and replacing them with new ones fitted with release lugs. Hastily manufactured extensions clipped onto the existing leg straps and provided the extra length necessary. While these modified T-5s equipped most units of the 101st, insufficient quantities dictated that the 82nd Airborne would leap into Holland with the standard three-point harness. The 101st continued use of this modified parachute through the the summer of 1945 due to the scarcity of the new T-7.
The Market Garden modified T-5 is historically correct only for the 101st. The 82nd used the standard T-5 model.

The reproductions made by The Rigger Depot are mirror images of the ones constructed by the wartime rigger units. Using our standard 2nd pattern Normandy OD T-5 harness, we substitute in the modified white chest straps and attach the appropriate leg strap extensions. The back strap hardware is left disengaged as per originals. On these modifications, we use the correct white Type VIII webbing, original hardware, and 5-cord cotton thread roughly sewn "rigger style."  The griswold V-ring even retains the partial canvas chest guard roughly hacked off like many originals of that operation.  A square of original brown WWII horsehair felt is mounted to cushion the heavy single point release.

Standard Price: $1175 (Email us to order)