Manual FM 23-9 Rifle, 5.56mm, M16A1 - 1971

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

Parka M51 (Field Jacket) in unused condition. Contract QM (CTM) 10442 - C - 61 from 1961. Size Small Short.

Bag, Patient's Effects - 1965 - NIB

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.

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

Unused original green beret for US. Special Forces. Size 7 1/8. Contract DSA100-68-C-0965. The beret comes from the estate of a Special Forces member named Norton who served in the US. Army from Vietnam to the 1990s.

M1C paratrooper helmet. The metal plate has a heat stamp with the number 629. The metal plate has two surface cracks on the back that do not go through the plate. The liner was manufactured in 1974. The helmet cover has various inscriptions on it.

Unused USMC Field Pack, Canvas Combat. There are small spots on the back, see photo.