USMC Combat Boots

CIB colour patch used.

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 blouse OG 107 Rip-Stop, size. M-R. The blouse is more used, but in decent condition. It has a few small holes and is repaired in one place see photo. There is an interesting "armband" on the blouse. The combat patches are cut-edged, lightly polished from ironing and washing.

Used patch 39. Scout Dog Platoon 173. Abn. Bde.

Hook M 1956 1st Pattern - Large

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

Unused Trousers Trousers, man's, cotton poplin olive green 107 Type II. The fit is similar to the Utility Trousers Type I, but the trousers are made of lightweight poplin and have drawstrings at the bottom of the legs. 

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

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

Unused forearm for M16A1 rifle.

Unused M 1942 machete. The scabbard is made of soft plastic, year of manufacture 1966. Unused condition. Manufacturer of machete Ontario.