LIFE PRESERVER YOKE - 1961

A pristine example of the most desirable private-purchase headgear in US Army history: The Morry Luxenberg "Green Beret". Sourced directly from the estate of Special Forces soldier "Norton" (service spanning Vietnam to the 1990s). Luxenberg berets, often Made in England, were prized by operators for their superior wool quality and "shaved" appearance. This item is Unissued/New Old Stock, retaining the rare plastic shield over the diamond logo with the original price sticker still attached. Size 7 1/8.

Genuine Vietnam War 5-Quart Collapsible Canteen. Dated 1968 (Cover and Bladder match). Made by Trenton Textile. Lightly used, excellent vintage condition.

Genuine Vietnam War era Rifle Bore Cleaner (MIL-C-372B). Dated 1969. 2 US fl oz plastic bottle. Full with original contents. Made by George Senn Inc. Perfect for display or kit completion.

An authentic US Army Special Forces Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. This item is historically significant as it features a Merrowed Edge (thick border) but carries a confirmable Vietnam War date. The original box label identifies the contract as DSA 100-67-C-1365 (Fiscal Year 1967), manufactured by Shalhoub Bros. This serves as definitive proof that merrowed edge patches were produced and issued during the late stages of the Vietnam War.

Rare 1st Pattern OG-107 Sateen Shirt (Type I). Rectangular pocket flaps. Dated 1962. Full color Sergeant First Class insignia. Size Medium (Chest 37-41"). Authentic vintage condition..

Genuine Recondo qualification patch for the 82nd Airborne Division. Subdued black-on-OD green embroidery. Arrowhead shape. Vintage pocket patch typically worn on BDUs..

A distinct piece of Vietnam War era cutlery history: The Garcia Survival Knife. Manufactured in Brazil, this knife was produced as a lighter, more accessible successor to the Finnish Hackman Survival Knife, filling the void left by the scarcity of the Randall Model 18. It features a 3/16" stainless steel blade and a hollow, waterproof handle designed to store survival essentials like matches, hooks, or pills. Clearly marked with the Garcia logo and "BRAZIL". Comes with the original leather sheath.

A classic piece of Vietnam War personal gear: The ERDL Camouflage Bib Scarf. Officially tagged as "INSIGNIA, BOS, SCARF, BIB-TYPE". This accessory was widely popular among troops (especially Special Forces and USMC) to prevent heavy gear straps from chafing the neck and to absorb sweat in the jungle heat. Made by Hallmark (Code G-23). Features snap button closure.

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 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.

Genuine US Military Issue Safety Line / Extraction Rope, dating to the late Vietnam War era. Unlike bulk rope, this item features factory spliced/braided eyes at the ends, indicating it was issued as a specific assembly (e.g., for helicopter crew safety or STABO rigs). It comes with the original heavy-duty steel carabiner stamped "WYOTT 72". Condition: New Old Stock (NOS), excellent preservation.

An incredibly scarce piece of Vietnam War history: An original ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) field shirt. Unlike US gear, surviving ARVN uniforms are very hard to find. This item was sourced directly from Vietnam, adding to its provenance. It is in "Salty" / combat-worn condition, featuring holes near the collar and a missing pocket button. The sleeve shows a distinct "Ghost Patch" outline where insignia was removed. Fits like a US Small.