M1 liner 104th Cavalry Regiment

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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 US M7 Bayonet by Imperial. Rare chrome-plated finish for Honor Guard and ceremonial duties. Blade and handle hardware are chromed. Sold as bayonet only (no scabbard).

Genuine Vietnam War dated M-1950 Adjustable Jump Case. "Pack, Parachutists, Weapons and Individual Equipment". Dated March 1968. Maker: Kings Point Ind. Mint / Unissued condition.

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Short Description: A rare piece of combat engineer field gear: A complete set of two "Reel, Taped Barbed" coils in their original cardboard dispenser box. This is the flat, razor-sharp barbed tape used for perimeter defense and booby traps during the Vietnam War. The box features clear stencil markings with contract DSA 700-69-C-1240, dating it precisely to 1969. Condition is NOS (New Old Stock) – clean and uncorroded.

An exceptional identified artifact from the Vietnam War helicopter war. This K-2B Cotton Flight Suit belonged to Aviator Nathan N. Withington, a pilot with the 191st Assault Helicopter Company (AHC). The distinctive "Yosemite Sam" patch identifies him as a member of the elite "Bounty Hunters" Gunship Platoon. The suit retains the original leather nametag and the manufacture label dated 4 April 1966.

A pristine vintage US Army Special Forces Beret dated August 1973. Manufactured by the highly collectible "Fleur de Lis" (Dorothea Knitting Mills), known for producing the best-shaped berets of the Vietnam era. It features a vintage 3rd Special Forces Group flash with the desirable "Cut Edge" construction and a pinned DUI crest. Note: Size is 6 1/4(extra small), making this a perfect display piece rather than wearable items.

M1 helmet cover in Tigerstripe camouflage.

CIB colour patch used.