USMC Shelter Half Tent Mitchel

Unused M6 bayonet from Milpar. Condition 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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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.

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

Used OG 107 (Utility Shirt) with 82nd Airborne Division lieutenant patches. Above the 82nd Airborne patch is a Ranger arch. Shirt is used but in nice condition. Personal number stamps are visible on the inside. The name tag is blackened in marker. The shirt is starched and ironed. Chest circumference 102cm. Sleeve length from shoulder is 60,5cm. Sleeve length from underarm is 50cm.

Trousers in ERDL camouflage. Size Medium Regular. Contract DSA 100-70-C-0137. Perfect almost unused condition. Colours are rich and unwashed. This piece comes from the estate of a Special Forces member named Norton who served in the US. Army from Vietnam to the 1990s.

Parka M51 (Field Jacket) in unused condition. Contract QM (CTM) 10442 - C - 61 from 1961. Size Small Short.

Artilleryman's kit with a lot of tools and a pouch to hang on the belt. The tools include, among other things, a set of watchmaker's screwdrivers and a 3/8 wrench that Mutt owners will appreciate.

Used Coat blouse, Men's, Tropical. Rip-Stop material. Size Large Regular. One sleeve is damaged, see photo.

Unused STRAP ASSEMBLY, FIELD PACK ADAPTER.

Used Tropical Rucksack. Contract FSN 8465-935-6673. Year of manufacture 1968. Very good condition. One metal eyelet is missing, see photo. The backpack has two equipment straps.

Used USMC Field Pack, Canvas Combat. Used condition. One carrying strap is missing a buckle. Condition as shown in photo.

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