Uniforms and Equipment of U.S. Military Advisors in Vietnam

An authentic piece of US Marine Corps gear from the early Vietnam War: Field Pack, Canvas Combat. While based on the WWII M1941 pattern, the DSA 100-3510 stamp dates this specific production run to approx. 1965–1966. It is incredibly rare to find these in Unissued / New Old Stock condition. The canvas remains stiff and durable. There are some minor spots on the back due to long-term storage.

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.

REPRO beret in Tiger Stripe camouflage - size Medium 57/58.

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.

A hard-to-find collector's item: The original field canteen issued to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN). While physically identical to the standard US plastic 1-quart canteen, this version features markings and instructions in Vietnamese instead of English. A rare piece of allied equipment.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

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.

Original packaged Gas Mask, Riot Control Agent XM28E4. Size Large. Packing date 1969.

A pristine example of the Vietnam War era M1967 Entrenching Tool (E-Tool). This is the revolutionary "Tri-Fold" all-metal design that replaced the wooden-handled shovels. Manufactured by AMES, clearly stamped 1969. It comes paired with an original carrier dated 1970. The set is in Unissued / New Old Stock (NOS) condition, retaining its original finish. Hard to find in this state.

A unicorn for vintage collectors and reenactors with larger heads: An original Vietnam War era US Army Field Grade Officer's Service Cap. This cap features the distinctive gold bullion oak leaf embroidery on the visor (commonly known as "Scrambled Eggs"), designating the rank of Major through Colonel. Manufactured by Berkshire De Luxe as a high-quality private purchase item. The size is an incredibly rare 7 3/4 (approx. 62 cm). Finding vintage headgear in this size is exceptionally difficult. Condition is excellent/very good.

A rare and identifiable piece of US Marine Corps history: An original M1 Helmet Liner used at The Basic School (TBS)in Quantico, Virginia. This is the institution where every Marine Officer is trained to be a rifle platoon commander. The liner features a high-gloss finish with a distinctive white tactical stripe and the TBS Unit Crest decal (reading "Esprit, Leadership, Knowledge"). The rear features a hand-painted roster number 350.

Pair of vintage US Army rank insignia. First Sergeant (E-8). Subdued (Black on OD Green). Desirable "Cut Edge" construction typical of the Vietnam War era.