Navy cap/barette blue

Rare original propaganda booklet from the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam). Titled "U.S. Planes Downed Over North Vietnam". Contains stamps depicting anti-aircraft victories. Iconic POW cover image.

A highly rare piece of headgear from the First Indochina War: The French Cotton "Gurkha" Beret (also known as Béret de brousse). Distinct from standard issue wool berets, this multi-panel cotton construction was designed specifically for the rigors of jungle warfare in Southeast Asia. This example is in lightly used condition with no damage, retaining its original shape. Size is approximately 52 (Small).

Genuine 1970 Vietnam Era M-65 by Alpha Industries. Features desirable aluminum Scovill zippers and "ghost patches" from removed insignia. Includes matching 1970 liner in good 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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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.

Genuine 1968 dated Vietnam War Jungle Boots. Panama sole pattern. "Spike Protective" steel plate. Made by Addison Shoe Co. Rare Size 12R. Unissued condition (no tag).

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.

An incredibly scarce piece of Vietnam War history: An original ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) field shirt. Unlike US gear, surviving ARVN uniforms are very hard to find. This item was sourced directly from Vietnam, adding to its provenance. It is in "Salty" / combat-worn condition, featuring holes near the collar and a missing pocket button. The sleeve shows a distinct "Ghost Patch" outline where insignia was removed. Fits like a US Small.

Genuine Vietnam War era "Reel, Taped Barbed". Two coils in original carton. Contract DSA 700-69-C-1240 (1969). Flat razor-style wire. Unissued NOS. (152 chars)

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.