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 crew members in Bomber Command. It faithfully served throughout the war and well into the postwar era.
Nearly 80 feet of custom woven Type VIII webbing is painstakingly interwoven and layered (8 layers at points!) to form the harness element. An actual wartime harness machine creates authentic 7-class stitching with mil-spec cord. The rare fully circular release box is entirely functional, ejecting all 4 release lugs for instantaneous release. This precision machine bit of engineer provides an authentic "click" straight from 1940. Custom manufactured square rings at the hip allow for attachment of 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. Complete with Irvin label on reverse back strap, stamped inspection markings, and AM Crown stamps on chest webs.
Be sure to check out the companion Observer Chest Pack
Nearly 80 feet of custom woven Type VIII webbing is painstakingly interwoven and layered (8 layers at points!) to form the harness element. An actual wartime harness machine creates authentic 7-class stitching with mil-spec cord. The rare fully circular release box is entirely functional, ejecting all 4 release lugs for instantaneous release. This precision machine bit of engineer provides an authentic "click" straight from 1940. Custom manufactured square rings at the hip allow for attachment of 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. Complete with Irvin label on reverse back strap, stamped inspection markings, and AM Crown stamps on chest webs.
Be sure to check out the companion Observer Chest Pack
