When buying Luftwaffe gauntlets, to ensure they are Luftwaffe, pay attention to the names on the fasteners, names like Nappa and Prym indicate German WW2 manufacture.

At left the label from an early closed back style Schwimmweste and at right, from the later style (late 1940 onwards) Open back Kapok Schwimmweste.

Luftwaffe Chest Type parachute Assembly details from a June 1940 dated item. Note the webbing strap for the release box is stitched down at both ends, unlike the RAF Seat Type one which has a ‘lift the dot’ fastener, or two if 1940 or earlier. When buying Parachute harnesses be wary of missing labels or fresh date stamps. Other countries may have used similar and dealers/sellers may remove evidence of such. RAF webbing panels are edged in golden brown or Dark Brown, Luftwaffe are in olive green. Chest clip here has lost a fair degree of the chrome finish. Webbing panel has material backing.

Left: Brustfallschirm Fl.30210 Chest Type Parachute pack label on this example of the type. Right: Note release handle shape. The braided cable runs over the handle through a U shape feature welded on, unlike the RAF handle where the cable passes through a hole and ends with a cylindrical block..