Original ARVN Rucksack – Unused / Unissued – Vietnam War – X-Frame Layout

Genuine Vietnam War era Blood Chit (Survival aid). Type XM-61-1 for Southeast Asia. Lithographed June 1967. Features individual red serial number. Mint / New Old Stock condition.

A rare experimental garment with elite provenance. These "Trousers, Man's, Combat, Temperate" (Contract 7914) come directly from the estate of a US Special Forces veteran. The trousers are in a unique condition: laundered and then subjected to an extreme "Heavy Starch", making the fabric board-stiff with razor-sharp creases. This represents the classic "Strac" appearance maintained by SF troopers in garrison during the Vietnam era.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

Unused US Army can opener P51.

Original 1969 issue of the General Ammunition technical manual. Essential guide for ammo identification, color codes, and handling. Vietnam War era reference.

A unicorn for vintage collectors and reenactors with larger heads: An original Vietnam War era US Army Field Grade Officer's Service Cap. This cap features the distinctive gold bullion oak leaf embroidery on the visor (commonly known as "Scrambled Eggs"), designating the rank of Major through Colonel. Manufactured by Berkshire De Luxe as a high-quality private purchase item. The size is an incredibly rare 7 3/4 (approx. 62 cm). Finding vintage headgear in this size is exceptionally difficult. Condition is excellent/very good.

A copy of the PRU (Provincial Reconnaissance Unit) badge.

Shirt Sleeping man sizing. S.