US Army M-1951 Mountain Rucksack – Early Vietnam – Working Zipper – Used

This T61-5 body armor, officially designated MIL-A-43197, represents a fascinating chapter in military equipment history. Developed in the mid-1960s, the T61-5 was designed to be a more ergonomic and flexible successor to the older M1952A model. Its innovative construction featured over 100 individual titanium plates, intended to provide superior protection and comfort.

Although it officially became the U.S. Army's standard-issue vest "on paper" in 1965, it never saw widespread adoption in reality. With the escalation of the Vietnam War, the T61-5 proved too expensive and complex to manufacture for mass deployment. The Army instead opted for a simpler, cheaper, updated version of the M1952A (the "3/4 collar" model).

Despite being an Army design, the T61-5 found its primary use elsewhere. It became characteristic equipment for the U.S. Navy's "Brown Water Navy" units operating in the rivers and coastal areas of Vietnam from 1966 onwards. It was also used by some U.S. Army mechanized infantry, armor, and armored cavalry units between 1969-1971.

Key Features:

• Official Designation: MIL-A-43197

• Common Name: T61-5 Composite Armor

• Standard Publication Date: Feb. 10, 1964

• Construction: Composite material with over 100 titanium plates

• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement

• Primary Users: US Navy ("Brown Water Navy"), US Army mechanized units in Vietnam

This vest is an exceptional and rare collector's item, documenting the push for innovation in personal protection during one of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century.

Genuine Cold War era US Military garrison trousers (Chinos). Classic cotton khaki twill. Dated October 1957 and features the original soldier's stenciled name. Extra small vintage size (Waist 68cm / ~27 inches). Excellent collector's condition.

Authentic 1943 dated M4 optical sight for US 60mm and 81mm mortars. Manufactured by Minneapolis Honeywell. Includes the original M61 hard case.

An authentic woven parachutist insignia (jump wings) of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) Airborne Division from the Vietnam War era. Features a fine woven design backed and reinforced with heavy cotton duck canvas for field durability. Genuine combat-worn, uniform-removed condition.

Poplin trousers in ERDL camouflage. Nice condition with a repaired hole on the knee and a small hole at the seam on the back.Size R-S.

The mark of a frontline combat veteran! Up for sale is a genuine US Army Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) from the Vietnam War era. This highly prestigious award is given only to infantrymen and Special Forces soldiers who have personally fought in active ground combat under hostile fire. The badge features a clutch-back design and bears the alphanumeric maker mark "S21 GI" on the reverse, firmly dating it to the 1960s. The blue enamel and silver finish are in beautiful condition. An essential centerpiece for any Vietnam-era Class A dress uniform display!

Genuine US M7 Bayonet by Imperial. Rare chrome-plated finish for Honor Guard and ceremonial duties. Blade and handle hardware are chromed. Sold as bayonet only (no scabbard).

Sleeping Bag Carrier M1956 "Spaghetti".

Genuine Vietnam War era "Reel, Taped Barbed". Two coils in original carton. Contract DSA 700-69-C-1240 (1969). Flat razor-style wire. Unissued NOS. (152 chars)

Short Description: A rare piece of combat engineer field gear: A complete set of two "Reel, Taped Barbed" coils in their original cardboard dispenser box. This is the flat, razor-sharp barbed tape used for perimeter defense and booby traps during the Vietnam War. The box features clear stencil markings with contract DSA 700-69-C-1240, dating it precisely to 1969. Condition is NOS (New Old Stock) – clean and uncorroded.

Rare printed cloth insignia of the South Vietnamese 21st Infantry Division (ARVN). Features the "Thunderbolt" design screen-printed on coarse fabric. Authentic "Theater Made" piece from the Mekong Delta region.

The essential reference guide for collectors of Vietnam War memorabilia, focusing specifically on the opposing forces. "Weapons and Field Gear of the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong" by Edward J. Emering is a high-quality hardcover book published by Schiffer Military History. It provides an in-depth look at the uniforms, equipment, and weapons used by Communist forces, making it a vital tool for authentication.

Used Waterproof Coat, Man's, Nylon, Rubber Coated, Green M-2. Size 36 R (roughly equivalent to Medium). Contract DSA-1-229-C-62. Rubberization is scuffed on one side.