ERDL Brown Dominant Theater Made Jacket - M-R

A pristine example of "Theater Made" headgear from the Vietnam War era. This Tiger Stripe cap represents the private purchase gear favored by GIs and Special Forces operating in Southeast Asia. Produced locally (likely Okinawa or Thailand tailor shops), this specific cap is in incredible Deadstock / Unissued condition. It retains the rare original paper inventory tag ("Size Small C.P. 2216") stapled to the brim. The fabric is crisp and the colors are vibrant. Size Small.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

Genuine Vietnam War era Red Cross identification flag. Contract dated 1968. "Flag, Ident, Red Cross, Amb & Marker". Nylon/Wool blend. Museum quality: Sealed in original bag with original cardboard box..

Rare "Sage Green" Cotton Sateen field shirt. Contracted by Marine Corps Supply Activity but features "ghost marks" of removed USAF rank insignia. Size 15/33. Unique cross-branch item.

Complete US Marine Corps M1941 Pack System (Upper Haversack + Lower Knapsack). Rare 1965 dated production (DSA contract) for Vietnam service. Mint / New Old Stock condition.

Genuine US Government Issue Khaki Shirt. Cotton construction with quarter-length (short) sleeves. Size Medium. Brand new in original factory packaging (NOS)..

The definitive guidebook for the US Army Special Forces during the height of the Vietnam War. This original FM 31-21 Special Forces Operations manual is dated June 3, 1965. It outlines the core doctrine of the Green Berets, focusing on Unconventional Warfare (UW), counter-insurgency, and the organization of Guerrilla Warfare behind enemy lines. A vital resource for historians and reenactors.

The original multi-purpose net. The multi-purpose net is made of olive green nylon, weighs 1 pound and measures approximately 5 feet by 9 feet (60 by 108 inches). Two 14-foot cords were attached to each net to serve as suspension ropes when the net was used as a hammock.

FSN 8465-889-3771 Specification MIL-N-43181

An authentic vintage US Army Special Forces (Airborne) Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. This is the highly desirable "Cut Edge" (flat edge) variant, which dates this patch to the Vietnam War era (specifically pre-1968, before the Army switched to merrowed edges). The patch is in used condition, likely removed from a uniform, adding to its historical provenance.

A unicorn for vintage collectors and reenactors with larger heads: An original Vietnam War era US Army Field Grade Officer's Service Cap. This cap features the distinctive gold bullion oak leaf embroidery on the visor (commonly known as "Scrambled Eggs"), designating the rank of Major through Colonel. Manufactured by Berkshire De Luxe as a high-quality private purchase item. The size is an incredibly rare 7 3/4 (approx. 62 cm). Finding vintage headgear in this size is exceptionally difficult. Condition is excellent/very good.

Rare US Marine Corps reversible camouflage shelter half (Mitchell / Leaf & Cloud pattern). Dated March 1953. Made by Stein Bro. Mfg. Co. Excellent color retention, minor pinholes.

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".