Schrade Walden H-15 Knife – Vietnam Era Private Purchase – Original Sheath

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

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

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.

M1 helmet cover in Tigerstripe camouflage.

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.

Genuine Vietnam War era Utility Cap. Cotton Sateen OG-107 fabric. Dated 1971. Manufacturer: Propper International. Size Large. Unissued / Mint condition.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.