Tropical Rucksack

Unused Blouse Coat, Man's, Cotton W/R Rip-stop Poplin, OG 107. Size XL Regular. Year of manufacture 1968 - 1969.

Used M1956 holster for two magazines for the Colt 1911 pistol. The holster has been repaired, see photo.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

Inflatable lifeboat for one person, type LRU-3/P, USAF MIL-L-8664B(WP). Manufactured by Rubber Fabricators Inc. (contract DAAK01-67-C-916. Date of manufacture: 1967. Size is approximately 1.6 x 0.9 x 0.3 m max. (inflated, but with covers and bottom chambers folded down). Black and orange rubber construction with one inflatable chamber and additional stabilizing chambers underneath and nylon covers. The boat comes with the original sea anchor/brake (specification no. MIL-A-3339A). The boat is in decent condition, holds air, but is intended for collector's purposes only and is not recommended for regular use on water. The boat can be inflated using a car pump.

Unused folding shovel manufactured by AMES. Year of manufacture: 1969. Packaging year of manufacture: 1970.

US field bottle, 1 quart, from 1966. Cover with cotton trim and drinking cup.

An original Vietcong outfit brought back from Vietnam by a former member of the Green Berets (Special Forces), along with other artifacts. Redeemed along with part of the estate from the USA. Size corresponds to X-Small. Very interesting collection item.

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.

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.

M1C paratrooper helmet. The metal plate has a heat stamp with the number 629. The metal plate has two surface cracks on the back that do not go through the plate. The liner was manufactured in 1974. The helmet cover has various inscriptions on it.

Almost unused Pistol Belt M-1956. Cross weave. Size Large.