RECONDO Recon Team Manual: Vietnam - 1970

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 highly desirable Vietnam Era "Private Purchase" Green Beret made by the famous Bancroft Military Capscompany. Distinguished by its yellow/gold lining, this was the preferred headgear for career Special Forces soldiers who wanted a sharper look than the standard issue. Named to "WILSON" on the sweatband. The beret is in very nice condition but features a distinct cigarette burn through the vinyl liner, adding undeniable character and history. Size approx 7 1/4.

Genuine US Government Issue Khaki Shirt. Cotton construction with quarter-length (short) sleeves. Size Medium. Brand new in original factory packaging (NOS)..

A pristine collector's piece from the Vietnam War era: USGI M17A1 Field Protective Mask. The mask itself is New Old Stock (NOS) and remains sealed in its original foil packaging. Markings indicate a June 1969 Cure Date and Jan 1972 Pack Date. The set comes complete with the canvas carrier, M1 Eyelens Outserts, and the waterproofing bag. Size Medium.

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 dated M-1950 Adjustable Jump Case. "Pack, Parachutists, Weapons and Individual Equipment". Dated March 1968. Maker: Kings Point Ind. Mint / Unissued condition.

Genuine Vietnam War era USAF Jungle Jacket (1970). Features rare "in-country" embroidered insignia: Senior Pilot wings, Lieutenant Colonel rank, and name tapes. Rip-Stop Poplin. Mint condition.

A highly rare piece of headgear from the First Indochina War: The French Cotton "Gurkha" Beret (also known as Béret de brousse). Distinct from standard issue wool berets, this multi-panel cotton construction was designed specifically for the rigors of jungle warfare in Southeast Asia. This example is in lightly used condition with no damage, retaining its original shape. Size is approximately 52 (Small).