USGI Tropical Rucksack – Vietnam 1968 – X-Frame – w/ Straps – Great Condition

Genuine US M7 Bayonet manufactured by Conetta in unissued/mint condition. Paired with a used vintage M8A1 scabbard by PWH. Authentic Vietnam War era set.

Rare early Vietnam War "Lightweight Rucksack" (P64). Dated 1964. Fully complete with welded frame, cargo shelf, waist belt, and instruction sheet. Very good condition with one small 1cm tear on a pocket.

A scarce piece of US Marine Corps amphibious gear: The Electric Beach Landing Lantern, dated October 1964. Manufactured by Turnsignal Co., Philadelphia, this rugged light was designed to mark beachheads during invasion operations. It features a heavy-duty pole clamp and a selector switch for FLASH or STEADY beam. The interior retains the original set of color filters and spare bulbs, which is a rare find. Sold as a collectible display piece (untested).

Genuine US Military fragmentation protective groin armor ("The Diaper"). Vietnam War era contract DSA-100-4677. Size 36 (Army) / 44 (Navy). Functional zipper. Used vintage condition. Collectible only.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

Rare US Marine Corps reversible camouflage shelter half (Mitchell / Leaf & Cloud pattern). Dated March 1953. Made by Stein Bro. Mfg. Co. Excellent color retention, minor pinholes.

An authentic US Army Special Forces Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. This item is historically significant as it features a Merrowed Edge (thick border) but carries a confirmable Vietnam War date. The original box label identifies the contract as DSA 100-67-C-1365 (Fiscal Year 1967), manufactured by Shalhoub Bros. This serves as definitive proof that merrowed edge patches were produced and issued during the late stages of the Vietnam War.

A massive relic of electronic warfare in Vietnam: The AN/QSG-126 Detection Transmitting Set, Acoustic. This 15kg air-delivered sensor was designed to be dropped onto the Ho Chi Minh Trail to detect Viet Cong movement as part of the secret Operation Igloo White (McNamara Line). This is an Inert / Training example dated 1968. It remains in excellent condition with the stabilizing fins still taped for storage.