MP ERDL tape

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

Used M1956 suspenders from 1973. Inner side is not cotton but nylon. Size Large.

Unused blouse in ERDL Brown Dominant camouflage. Locally made. Size corresponds to Medium Regular. Pockets have a classic cut, but they are flat. There is a button closure at the sides.

Privately purchased beret from Morry Luxenbberg Co. New York. The plastic cover of the label still bears the original price tag. Unused condition. Size 7 1/8. The beret comes from the estate of a Special Forces member named Norton who served in the US. Army from Vietnam to the 1990s.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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 blouse OG 107 Rip-Stop, size. M-R. The blouse is more used, but in decent condition. It has a few small holes and is repaired in one place see photo. There is an interesting "armband" on the blouse. The combat patches are cut-edged, lightly polished from ironing and washing.

Bandolier for SKS ammunition. Locally produced. Purchased from the estate of a veteran.

Used ERDL Coat, Man's, Tropical. On the shoulder is a patch 2nd B, 75th Infantry Ranger/Airborne. Above the pocket is a Basic parachutist badge. Size Medium Regular. Year of manufacture 1968.