ERDL Brown Dominant Theater Made Jacket - M-R

Shirt Man's, Cotton- Size 16 1/2 x 32. DSA Contract 100-68-C-1927. Navy. The "River Patrol Boat 518" patch is a reproduction.

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.

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.

Rare early buttstock for M16/XM16E1 rifles (Vietnam War era). "Type D" model with a solid rubber buttpad and no cleaning kit compartment. Good used condition, no cracks..

A highly desirable Technical Manual (TM 9-1005-249-14) dated August 1966. This manual is a treasure trove for early Vietnam War collectors. It covers the maintenance and repair of the M16 and XM16E1 rifles, but its primary value lies in the inclusion of the XM148 40mm Grenade Launcher. The XM148 was an experimental, failure-prone predecessor to the M203, used briefly by US Special Forces. Original documentation for the XM148 is extremely scarce.

Genuine 1970 Vietnam Era M-65 Jacket. So-Sew Styles contract. Aluminum zippers. Exterior is Mint/NOS condition. Interior liner has a storage stain. Size Medium-Regular.

Genuine Vietnam War era OG-107 Utility Shirt. Manufactured by Globe Bag Corp in 1967. Cotton Sateen Type III. Size 15 1/2 x 33. New Old Stock (NOS) / Unissued condition.

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.

Genuine wooden forend for the M79 "Blooper". Original USGI surplus, packaged in January 1974. Still sealed in original bag. Mint NOS condition.

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.

Decal for helmet/liner - Airborne arch. The product is from the 60's, can not guarantee the possibility of application on the helmet/liner.

A scarce piece of US Marine Corps amphibious gear: The Electric Beach Landing Lantern, dated October 1964. Manufactured by Turnsignal Co., Philadelphia, this rugged light was designed to mark beachheads during invasion operations. It features a heavy-duty pole clamp and a selector switch for FLASH or STEADY beam. The interior retains the original set of color filters and spare bulbs, which is a rare find. Sold as a collectible display piece (untested).