Garcia Survival Knife – Vietnam Era – Made in Brazil – Randall 18 Alternative

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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 carrying case for the M-16 rifle bipod.

Used pouch for two magazines for a 1911 pistol. Year of manufacture: 1969.

A fantastic collector's piece from the late Vietnam War era: US Navy Inflatable Life Preserver, specification MIL-L-21047 (SHIPS). The stencil clearly dates the manufacture to APRIL 1973. Unlike many surplus vests, this one is in very nice, lightly used condition with vibrant markings and supple fabric. Comes complete with 4 CO2 cylinders installed.

Artilleryman's kit with a lot of tools and a pouch to hang on the belt. The tools include, among other things, a set of watchmaker's screwdrivers and a 3/8 wrench that Mutt owners will appreciate.

Unused manual insecticide sprayer. Contract DSA-700-67-C-5518/FSN 3740-691-1776. Year of manufacture: 1967.

A pristine example of "Theater Made" headgear from the Vietnam War era. This Tiger Stripe cap represents the private purchase gear favored by GIs and Special Forces operating in Southeast Asia. Produced locally (likely Okinawa or Thailand tailor shops), this specific cap is in incredible Deadstock / Unissued condition. It retains the rare original paper inventory tag ("Size Small C.P. 2216") stapled to the brim. The fabric is crisp and the colors are vibrant. Size Small.

M9A1 gas mask in an original unopened can.

Bomber Jacket, Flying, Man's Intermediate, MA-1. Year of manufacture 1966. Size Large. Overall very nice condition. There are small holes in the knitting, see photo.

A spectacular piece of Vietnam War history: An original "Theater Made" (In-country) combat jacket in the ERDL Brown Dominant (Highland) camouflage pattern. Unlike standard issue gear, this was custom-tailored locally in SE Asia, a practice common among Special Forces and career officers. This specific example is in Unissued / NOS condition, retaining pristine colors and fabric stiffness – a virtually impossible find for theater-made gear.

Original packaged Gas Mask, Riot Control Agent XM28E4. Size Large. Packing date 1969.