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

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.

An incredible find for Vietnam War collectors: An original ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) Rucksack in Unused / Unissued condition. Finding indigenous gear in this state of preservation is exceptionally rare. This pack features the classic two-pocket design and the distinctive metal "X-Frame" suspension system. Condition Note: The pack is missing the side utility straps. The metal hardware shows oxidation/verdigris consistent with long-term storage.

Complete US Marine Corps M1941 Pack System (Upper Haversack + Lower Knapsack). Rare 1965 dated production (DSA contract) for Vietnam service. Mint / New Old Stock condition.

Genuine US Army service tape. Classic Black background with Gold lettering. Woven construction (not embroidered). Standard issue for OG-107 utilities in the 1950s and early 1960s. Used condition.

A genuine vintage pocket patch for the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, nicknamed the "Blackhawks". This unit saw extensive heavy combat in Vietnam acting as the "eyes and ears" for the Americal Division. This patch features the highly desirable "Cut Edge" construction (non-merrowed) and a "Snowy Back" reverse, hallmarks of US-made insignia from the Vietnam era (pre-1968). It is in used condition, showing signs of having been removed from a uniform.

Genuine 1968 dated Vietnam War Jungle Boots. Panama sole pattern. "Spike Protective" steel plate. Made by HI-PALS. Rare Size 12R. Mint/Unissued condition with original tag.

The definitive guidebook for the US Army Special Forces during the height of the Vietnam War. This original FM 31-21 Special Forces Operations manual is dated June 3, 1965. It outlines the core doctrine of the Green Berets, focusing on Unconventional Warfare (UW), counter-insurgency, and the organization of Guerrilla Warfare behind enemy lines. A vital resource for historians and reenactors.

Rare 1st Pattern OG-107 Sateen Shirt (Type I). Rectangular pocket flaps. Dated 1962. Full color Sergeant First Class insignia. Size Medium (Chest 37-41"). Authentic vintage condition..

A "Holy Grail" item for Vietnam War and Special Operations collectors: The original "Preliminary Operator's and Organizational Maintenance Manual" for the STONER 63A (5.56mm Light Machinegun, Belt Fed). Published directly by the manufacturer, Cadillac Gage Company, this represents a rare piece of history associated almost exclusively with US Navy SEALs and elite units in Southeast Asia. The manual features intricate technical diagrams of the trigger group, receiver, and field stripping procedures.

Genuine US Military Issue Safety Line / Extraction Rope, dating to the late Vietnam War era. Unlike bulk rope, this item features factory spliced/braided eyes at the ends, indicating it was issued as a specific assembly (e.g., for helicopter crew safety or STABO rigs). It comes with the original heavy-duty steel carabiner stamped "WYOTT 72". Condition: New Old Stock (NOS), excellent preservation.

Genuine Recondo qualification patch for the 82nd Airborne Division. Subdued black-on-OD green embroidery. Arrowhead shape. Vintage pocket patch typically worn on BDUs..

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.