Artillery set

A true museum piece for the Vietnam War collector: An original "DRAFT COPY" of the Preliminary Operation and Maintenance Manual for the Submachine Gun, 5.56-MM, XM177E2. Published by Rock Island Arsenal in July 1967, this provisional manual was issued in very limited numbers to Special Operations units (MACV-SOG, Navy SEALs, LRRPs) alongside the first batches of the weapon. Unlike standard field manuals, this "Draft" represents the weapon's testing phase in combat.

A genuine vintage US Military Headset manufactured by Astrocom Electronics. Designed for use with the iconic AN/PRC-25 and AN/PRC-77 manpack radios, typical of the Vietnam War and Cold War eras. The set features hard-shell earcups for noise attenuation, an adjustable boom microphone, and a complete cable assembly with an inline PTT (Push-to-Talk) switch box. It terminates in standard U-229/U audio connectors. Condition: Visually in nice vintage condition. Sold as-is, functionality has NOT been tested.

Adapter Modification kit, Packboard, Radio Carrying to place the radio on Lightweight backpacks. The AN/PRC 25/77 radio was placed on the top shelf. On the bottom was a spare battery or KY 38 encryption device.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

Very nice liner for M-65 jacket from 1969 - contract DSA 100-69-C-2489.. Liner has double seams. Liner is in used but nice condition.

M1 helmet cover in Tigerstripe camouflage.

Unused cotton chin strap for M1 helmet. Infantry variant.

A prime example of the US Army "Rucksack, Tropical", the definitive pack of the Vietnam War. Dated 1968 (DSA 100-68-C-2782). Unlike the later ALICE pack, this features the distinctive spring-steel "X-Frame" to keep the load off the soldier's back in humid conditions. The nylon is in excellent condition with vibrant color. Includes two original utility lash straps. Note: One metal eyelet is missing from a side attachment tab.

A highly collectible, named US Army ERDL Jungle Jacket with outstanding provenance. This jacket comes from the estate of a Special Forces (Green Beret) soldier named Norton, whose service spanned from Vietnam to the 90s. It features original, period-applied insignia: Special Forces SSI with Airborne Tab, "NORTON" and "U.S. ARMY" tapes, and embroidered collar rank/branch (Infantry). The jacket is in "Salty" / Combat Used condition, featuring honest wear, fraying on the collar, and holes in the sleeves, giving it an undeniable "been there" character. Fits like a Medium-Regular.

A classic American blade with significant military history: The Schrade Walden H-15. While marketed as a civilian hunting knife in the 1960s, it became a legendary "Private Purchase" (PX) item carried by thousands of US soldiers during the Vietnam War. It features the iconic stacked leather handle with red and white spacers and a carbon steel clip-point blade. The tang is stamped SCHRADE-WALDEN N.Y. U.S.A.. Includes the correct original leather sheath stamped "BOWIE HUNTER".

The definitive ruck of the early Vietnam War advisor: The US M-1951 Mountain Rucksack. Widely used by Special Forces before nylon gear became standard. This example is in used condition and features a fully functional lid zipper(rare!). Please note: There is a small tear/hole (approx. 1cm) in the canvas shown in the photos, consistent with its age and field use.