Code: 58093
Not to be confused with the still very desirable but obtainable, Dual Purpose Harness Suit, this is the exceptionally rare Observer Type which accommodates fittings for a chest pack only, and is the first I have ever seen.
Made by Irving Air Chute of Great Britain in a size medium, and dated 11/12 Oct 1940, this example is in very good service used condition and shows the name Moneypenny on the label, being unusual to find an issued example of either type. Close inspection shows only 4 tiny nicks to the heavy cotton material, too small to capture in the pictures.
Both lower pockets have Lightning zips with their leather pulls, the right zip runner reluctant to move but all in very good condition so in need of a little candle wax to get it moving. The left zip works well. The two full length zips have DOT runners and pulls and are in good working condition, the right zip with one tooth missing right at the top making it a little fiddly to get started. One pull has a period cloth replacement tab.
On the chest, the metal retainers for the harness clips are in place beneath their covers but there is of course no harness.
Inside, all the dished brass buttons for the various fittings are in place as is the cover for the inflation stole, the securing cord for the inflation lever still present.
A real rarity which remains in very good condition
