M1 liner 104th Cavalry Regiment

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.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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 Blood Chit (Survival aid). Type XM-61-1 for Southeast Asia. Lithographed June 1967. Features individual red serial number. Mint / New Old Stock condition.

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 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.

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.

Genuine OG-107 Cotton Sateen shirt. Features Ranger Tab, 82nd Airborne patch, Jump Wings, and 1st Lieutenant Infantry collar insignia. Heavy starch "garrison" finish. Good vintage condition.

A superb example of the scarce Rubberized M3 Medical Bag (Instrument and Supply Set No. 3). Manufactured by Eastern Canvas Products Inc., this waterproof variation was standard issue during the Korean War and early Vietnam era. Unlike many surviving examples, the rubberized fabric on this bag is supple and free of dry rot, and all zippers are fully functional. The kit comes loaded with vintage medical supplies, including boxed muslin bandages, Johnson & Johnson gauze, and a highly collectible glass bottle of Norwich Aspirin. Disclaimer: All contents are expired and sold for display/collectible purposes only.

A rare piece of Special Operations history. The original HT-2A "Village Radio" transceiver. Distributed by the CIA and US Army Special Forces (Green Berets) to CIDG (Civilian Irregular Defense Group) units. Used by local militias to call for support during Viet Cong attacks.

A spectacular piece of Vietnam War history: An original "Theater Made" (In-country) combat jacket in the ERDL Brown Dominant (Highland) camouflage pattern. Unlike standard issue gear, this was custom-tailored locally in SE Asia, a practice common among Special Forces and career officers. This specific example is in Unissued / NOS condition, retaining pristine colors and fabric stiffness – a virtually impossible find for theater-made gear.

Rare original XM3 "Clothes Pin" bipod for the M16 rifle. Manufactured by Colt (marked 62122). Vietnam War era. Complete set with zipper pouch and cleaning kit.

A highly elusive piece for the advanced M7 collector: The US M7 Bayonet manufactured by FZR (Fraser Manufacturing Corp.). Fraser is considered one of the rarest Vietnam-era contractors, having produced only an estimated 40,000 units across two contracts in 1971 and 1972. Finding one in this condition is exceptional. The crossguard is stamped "M7 FZR". Paired with a correct period M8A1 scabbard by TWB.