H Harness M1956 2nd pattern - Large - 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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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.

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.

Used COAT MAN'S CAMOUFLAGE, POPLIN, WIND RESISTANT, RIP-STOP jacket. Size Medium Regular. ERDL Brown Dominant camouflage. USMC marking on the pocket. The jacket is used and has several small holes and a repaired collar.

Cover for 2qt water bag Canteen Collapsible 2 Quart Capacity. FSN 8465-J22-0002. Manufactured by Latex Corp. Contract No. DA 19-129-QM-2044. The bag has rust stains on it but is otherwise undamaged.

Used Coat blouse, Men's, Tropical. Rip-Stop material. Size Small Short.

Used M69 vest in size Large. Year of manufacture 1969. The vest is marked with the name of the original owner and the inscription US Coast Guard. The ballistics are not broken. For collector's purposes only, ballistic protection is not guaranteed.

Bag, Patient's Effects - 1965 - NIB

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.