STRAP ASSEMBLY, FIELD PACK ADAPTER

Unused magazine belt for BAR machine gun in green colour. Year of manufacture 1951.

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.

Used buttstock for M16A1 rifle. First model without cleaning shaft - only with rubber boot. Used condition with no cracks or damage.

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

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.

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

Used blouse COAT, MAN'S COMBAT, TROPICAL. Rip-Stop material. Size Medium Regular. Contract DSA 69-C-1161. See photo for condition.

Used US holster for Colt 1911 pistol.

Blouse in ERDL camouflage. Colour is between Brown and Green dominant. Size S-R. One pocket has a USN marking on the other one with the name sprayed on. Very nice condition.

Unused Cap, Utility, Cotton Sateen, OG-107. Size Large. Contract DSA 100-71-C-0497.

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.