MITCHEL - COVER, HELMET CAMOUFLAGE (1)

Unused Waterproof Backpack Bag, Waterproof, Clothing. Date of manufacture 1967 and 1968.

Unopened C ration accessory pack.

Unused Armor Body ballistic shorts, Fragmentation Protective (For the Groin). Size 38 /Army) 44 (Navy). Contract DSA-100-4677. Unused condition. for collector's purposes only.

Unused flight suit in ERDL Brown Dominant camouflage. Size for approx. 180-185cm. Missing manufacturer's label.

Unused Blouse Coat, Man's, Cotton W/R Rip-stop Poplin, OG 107. Size XL Regular. Year of manufacture 1968 - 1969.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

A 1960s Bancroft green beret. This is a private purchase. The beret is signed Wilson. Size fits 7 1/4. The De Opresso Liber badge is slightly oxidized green on the back. The vinyl insert and lining is cigarette burned in one spot. Overall the beret is in very nice condition.

Nice 5-quart water bag. Slightly used condition. The bag and container were manufactured in 1968.

Very nice beret with flash 3rd Special Forces Group and badge. Flash has a thin edge. The beret is size 6 1/4. Production 1973.

XM3 bipod for M-16 rifle. With pouch and cleaning kit. Manufacturer Colt.

Blouse with "in country" embroidered rank, name tag and US ribbon. Air Force. Perfect condition. Size Small.