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.

Unused M6 bayonet from Milpar. Condition see photo.

Unused magazine belt for BAR machine gun in green colour. Year of manufacture 1951.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

Original cartridge box for M-60 machine gun. Year of manufacture 1968.

Unused M6 bayonet from Milpar. Condition see photo.

Used blouse COAT, MAN'S COMBAT, TROPICAL. Rip-Stop material. Size Medium Regular. Contract DSA 69-C-1161. See photo for condition.

60s Vietnam War Vietnamese-Made US Army Branch Tape