back pack, Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger ‘Tornister’, fvz 1941

Genuine WWII paratrooper backpack, extremely rare. Only a handful are known in private collections today.

The official designation of this Fallschirmjäger-Tornister has not yet been established. No evidence has surfaced to suggest it was issued to or used by any unit other than airborne troops. Much indicates that it was primarily employed by the LL-Sturm-Regiment, rather than being a widely distributed item.

All known examples bear the manufacturer code “fvz” and the abbreviated year “41”, and were produced by the leather goods factory Paul Klopfer in Berlin. A recurring feature is the use of captured materials, including French and Belgian backpack straps

This example remains complete, retaining its straps and hooks. Its exact intended purpose, and above all the function of its numerous compartments, has not yet been clarified, although speculation is widespread (for example, the upper compartment may have been intended to hold short Karabiner clips).

A truly rare and desirable piece of Fallschirmjäger equipment for the advanced collector.