M4 mortar sight

US manual FM 23-85 for M19 mortar. Year of publication 1967. Reprint 1987

US manual FM 23-92 for M30 mortar. Year of publication 1970.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

Original unused blanket US. Army from the Vietnam War. Blankets are from 1968 and 1970 crates. FSN: 7210-282-7950.

Original BUAER (Bureau of Aeronautics) protective set made of ballistic nylon and used by US Navy and USMC helicopter crews at the beginning of the Vietnam War. Includes:

BUAER Flak Vest: protected the upper torso from low-velocity shrapnel. Zipper closure with snap cover, durable and authentic period construction.

BUAER Flak Shorts (groin protector): protected the lower abdomen and groin area. Front zipper closure with cover, adjustable crotch strap.

Details:

Size of both pieces: 40

Condition: lightly used, no damage, zippers and fasteners functional

The HT-2A radio from The Hallicrafters is from the OPS family of radios. The HT-2A is one of the first models delivered under the CIA-funded Village Radio program sponsored by the Office of Public Safety (OPS) to provide local forces with short-range radios to report Viet Cong movements. The retractable antenna is undamaged. The plastic knob for volume control and transmission switching is missing. See photo for condition. Functionality is not guaranteed.

Used LIFE PRESERVER YOKE inflatable vest. Year of manufacture: 1961. One snap fastener from the packaging is broken.

Very nice beret with flash 3rd Special Forces Group and badge. Flash has a thin edge. The beret is size 6 1/4. Production 1973.

Blouse in ERDL camouflage. Colour is between Brown and Green dominant. Size S-R. One pocket has a USN marking on the other one with the name sprayed on. Very nice condition.

Special Forces shoulder patch (without arc) from the Vietnam War. Variant with a hemmed edge.

Unopened C ration accessory pack.