Poncho, Nylon, Coated, Twill - 1968

Blouse ERDL Green dominant, sizing. M-S. USMC markings on pocket and USMC rank insignia on collars.

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

Pack of disposable earplugs. Production 1962. For collecting purposes - functionality is not guaranteed.

Used trousers, men's, cotton wind resistant ripstop poplin. Size Small Long. The trousers have one stain on the thigh, see photo. Overall good condition.

Blouse in ERDL camouflage. Worse condition with most of the original patches. Labels missing but size is Medium - Regular. Blouse comes from the estate of a Special Forces member named Norton who served in the US. Army from Vietnam to the 1990s.

Unopened C ration accessory pack.

Unused carrying case for the M-16 rifle bipod.

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

Used M1967 mag pouches for 20rnd magazines for M-16. Mag pouches are in used condition but complete with straps and a working undamaged plastic clasp.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

CIB colour patch used.