ERDL Brown Dominant Theater Made Jacket - M-R

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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 USAF Jungle Jacket (1970). Features rare "in-country" embroidered insignia: Senior Pilot wings, Lieutenant Colonel rank, and name tapes. Rip-Stop Poplin. Mint condition.

Genuine Vietnam War era Rifle Bore Cleaner (MIL-C-372B). Dated 1969. 2 US fl oz plastic bottle. Full with original contents. Made by George Senn Inc. Perfect for display or kit completion.

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.

Pair of vintage US Army rank insignia. First Sergeant (E-8). Subdued (Black on OD Green). Desirable "Cut Edge" construction typical of the Vietnam War era.

Parka M51 (Field Jacket) in unused condition. Contract QM (CTM) 10442 - C - 61 from 1961. Size Small Short.

An authentic piece of US Marine Corps gear from the early Vietnam War: Field Pack, Canvas Combat. While based on the WWII M1941 pattern, the DSA 100-3510 stamp dates this specific production run to approx. 1965–1966. It is incredibly rare to find these in Unissued / New Old Stock condition. The canvas remains stiff and durable. There are some minor spots on the back due to long-term storage.

A classic piece of Vietnam War personal gear: The ERDL Camouflage Bib Scarf. Officially tagged as "INSIGNIA, BOS, SCARF, BIB-TYPE". This accessory was widely popular among troops (especially Special Forces and USMC) to prevent heavy gear straps from chafing the neck and to absorb sweat in the jungle heat. Made by Hallmark (Code G-23). Features snap button closure.

Museum-grade K-2B Flight Suit. 11th Air Assault Division (Test) patch (1963-65). MACV Combat patch. Named to CPT Gale. The birth of Air Cavalry history.

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 fantastic example of a Vietnam War era "Theater Made" USMC OG-107 Utility Shirt. This piece features modifications typical of Marines stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Notable details include a directly embroidered black EGA on the pocket and a custom embroidered name tape (GRENNAN C.J. JR) sewn inside the collar. Additionally, the Marine's name is boldly stenciled across the back. The size tag is missing, but fits like a Small to Medium-Short.

Originální bunda M-65 z roku 1971. Výrobce Alpha Industries. Vzácné stříbrné (hliníkové) zipy Scovill. Součástí je dobová tepelná vložka. Použitý stav s patinou, vložka má trhlinu. Velikost Medium-Long.