M16 Colt XM3 Bipod

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

Cover for 2qt water bag Canteen Collapsible 2 Quart Capacity. FSN 8465-J22-0002. Manufactured by Latex Corp. Contract No. DA 19-129-QM-2044. The bag has rust stains on it but is otherwise undamaged.

Unused STRAP ASSEMBLY, FIELD PACK ADAPTER.

Used M1956 holster for two magazines for the Colt 1911 pistol. The holster has been repaired, see photo.

Very nice liner for M-65 jacket from 1969 - contract DSA 100-69-C-2489.. Liner has double seams. Liner is in used but nice condition.

Very nice beret with flash 3rd Special Forces Group and badge. Flash has a thin edge. The beret is size 6 1/4. Production 1973.

Trouser's, Men's, Tropical. Contract DSA 100 - 4270. Size Medium Regular. Trousers are starched and made of mandle. As a result of repeated almonding, a piece of the button flap on the pocket has fallen out, see photo. Otherwise, the trousers are in very nice condition.

Used buttstock for M16A1 rifle. First model without cleaning shaft - only with rubber boot. Used condition with no cracks or damage.

Original 1967 Camillus Jet Pilot Knife. Rare sheath w/o stone pocket & metal tip. Leather handle not dried out. Authentic Vietnam War era gear.

Used Trousers, Men's, Cotton Wind Resistant Poplin OG 107 - first model. Size Small Long. Year of manufacture 1964.

Exceptional named grouping (Shirt, Trousers, Cap) with matching Laundry Mark B0200X. Features a rare unit combination: 101st Airborne and the US Army Security Agency (ASA). Includes "In-country" made name tapes. This represents a specialist attached to SIGINT/Radio Research operations.

Used OG 107 (Utility Shirt) with 82nd Airborne Division lieutenant patches. Above the 82nd Airborne patch is a Ranger arch. Shirt is used but in nice condition. Personal number stamps are visible on the inside. The name tag is blackened in marker. The shirt is starched and ironed. Chest circumference 102cm. Sleeve length from shoulder is 60,5cm. Sleeve length from underarm is 50cm.