Trousers, Twill, Khaki With Hip Pockets 28x33 - 1957

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

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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 blouse (Coat, Man's, Cotton, Wind Resistant Rip-Stop Poplin). Size Medium Long. Contract DSA 100-68-C-2821. Army and name patch are "in country made". The Special Forces shoulder patch is a regular Army issue. Blouse has several repairs see photo.

Used M69 vest in size Large. Year of manufacture 1969. The vest is marked with the name of the original owner and the inscription US Coast Guard. The ballistics are not broken. For collector's purposes only, ballistic protection is not guaranteed.

Bandolier for SKS ammunition. Locally produced. Purchased from the estate of a veteran.

Original Unused (NOS) Blood Chit South East Asia - West Central Pacific. Each copy has its serial number. Year of production 1967.

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 knife from Laos. The blade is made from scraps of aircraft ammunition. The blade length is 275 mm.

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

USAF Coverall, Flying, Man's, Very Light K-2B flight suit in perfect condition. The jumpsuit has a unit patch and name tag on the shoulder (Withington, Nathan N. The jumpsuit is from 1966.

AN/QSG-126 Inert/School Acoustic Detector AN/QSG-126 Detection Transmitting Set Acoustic. The detector was dropped from the aircraft to the suspected NVA/Vietcong site. Nice condition, stabilizing ailerons are still taped over with paper tape. Year of manufacture 1968. Shipping only within the EU. Sensor length is approx 76cm, weight approx 15kg without shipping container. Possibility to arrange personal collection.