Pouch M1956 2nd pattern - NOS

11th Cavalry patch in black and green with cut edge.

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.

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

Hook M 1956 1st Pattern - 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.

Used COAT MAN'S CAMOUFLAGE, POPLIN, WIND RESISTANT, RIP-STOP jacket. Size Medium Regular. ERDL Brown Dominant camouflage. USMC marking on the pocket. The jacket is used and has several small holes and a repaired collar.

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.

A complete reference book for knives of the United States, British, and Allied Forces, 19th century to modern day. This volume compiles together sixty-seven of the best military knife articles from the past twenty years of Knife World magazine. Authors include Frank Trzaska, Mike Silvey, William A. Windrum, Fred Bratmon, Steve Dick, Dennis Ellingsen, Bill Karsten, Don Lawrence, Dave Murphy, Harvey Reisberg, Eugene W. Stone, Richard White, and Bill Wright.

CIB colour patch used.

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 Field Pack, Combat M-1956.