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USA: KOREAN WAR, COLD WAR, VIETNAM WAR, and other conflicts pre- 9/11.
#HH13 Purple Heart for Specialist 4 Alberto A. Lucero, Killed in Action
Original Vietnam War Purple Heart for Specialist 4 Alberto A. Lucero of the 101st Airborne Division. Specialist Lucero, or “Butch” as his close friends liked to call him, was killed in action on 4 March 1966 during a battle in the Phú Yên province of South Vietnam. When his platoon came under ambush in dense jungle, he was prepared for battle and blew up an enemy sniper using a grenade round, and then took out an automatic weapons post before being fatally shot in an intense firefight moving onto the next enemy position. His friends describe him as a guy who “Liked to take care of business” and was a hardened soldier, having been in the Army as a Paratrooper since 1958. His Purple Heart is in nice condition, with the official government engraving. This award is looking for a good home, and this is your chance to keep Alberto’s memory alive by preserving his Purple Heart. $275
#MP66 M16 / M14 “Seatbelt Sling” and Ammo Bandolier
Original Vietnam War era “seatbelt sling” for the M16 or M14. These slings were created because normal leather slings weren’t holding up to jungle conditions. The sling is in good lightly used condition, and still serviceable. Also included is an ammunition bandolier dated 1974 in excellent condition. $125
#VN053 1951 Leave Guide for Visiting Japan
Original Korean War soldiers leave guide for visiting Japan. Published by the United States in 1951 and provided to U.N. troops of varying nations, including Canadians. This example surfaced in Canada and is presumably something brought back by a Canadian soldier serving in Korea. The guide explains to soldiers on leave what they would need to know about visiting Japan, from finding cool souvenirs to visiting the Geisha, this covers everything. Insightful publication. $25
#VN050 Japanese Made ARVN Tigerstripe Fatigue Cap
Original Japanese made tigerstripe fatigue cap for South Vietnamese Armed Forces (ARVN) that were engaged in close range dense jungle warfare during the Vietnam War. This cap was manufactured around 1963 in Japan with USMC style peak, where it could be purchased as part of a set for use in theatre. The cap was carefully assembled with appealing pattern matching of the camouflage panels. The pattern was also adopted in 1962 to early 1963 by United States Special Forces. This is an excellent example with the original size 56 tag still intact. Top example of a rare cap that can't be upgraded. $700
#VN049 Special Forces Insignia Grouping with SCU and LLDB Hangers
Original Vietnam War insignia grouping from a Special Forces soldier. Lot includes very rare Special Commando Unit (SCU) hanger, and Army of the Republic of Vietnam Special Forces (Vietnamese: Lực Lượng Đặc Biệt Quân Lực Việt Nam Cộng Hòa or LLDB) hanger. Other badges include early 10th Special Forces patch, and many others shown in the photos. Consignor reports this set was obtained from the veterans garage sale, but the name was not shared. $475
#VN037 China Marine North China Pictorial & Paperwork Grouping
Original U.S. Marine grouping of S/Sgt Virgil L. Kinney who served as a "China Marine" at the end of WWII. The group includes S/Sgt Kinney's North China Pictorial U.S.M.C. that was provided to each Marine who served with the 111 Amphibious Corps in China, this is a really cool and desirable publication and important part of the Marine Corps history. The group also includes S/Sgt Kinney's "Ruler of the 180th Meridian" which was a popular souvenir for Marines who crossed the 180th Meridian. There is also an edition of The Peiping Chronicle, which has a bit more information on what it was like to serve in North China, and S/Sgt Kinney's certificate in Modern Criminal Investigation from the Marine Corps institute. Interesting group with lots of content and more research potential. $200
#RG13 ARVN "Advisor" Tiger Stripe Jungle Fatigue Trousers
Original Vietnam War "Advisor" tiger stripe jungle fatigue trousers for ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) soldiers working with the American military. These uniforms were extremely popular with the ARVN due to their cool camouflage pattern. The trousers are U.S. made in size "A-S" for "Asian Small" and would fit a kid by todays North American standards. Nice set of uncommon trousers. $325
#EC169 Blackened M1911A1 Holster
Original Vietnam War-era US M1916 holster for the M1911A1 .45 ACP-cal. pistol. This holster was actually produced during the Second World War as the John R. Craighead Co. in Denver, Colorado only produced holsters during that period. It was dyed black sometime after the Korean War as per regulations. This firm only produced 68,056 of these holsters. It is nicely marked with the company's logo on the reverse as well as having the standard large 'U.S.' in an oval marking on the front of the flap. It still has it's leather leg tie which is too often missing from these holsters. In used but very serviceable condition with no damage. $100
#EC200 U.S. Army Green Beret/LRRP Duck Hunter/Leopard Camouflage Uniform
Original Vietnam War U.S. Army Duck Hunter/Leopard camouflage lightweight cotton uniform set consisting of matching jacket and trousers. The jacket features a 5-button closure, two breast pockets with single button flaps, and two hip pockets with single button flaps. The trousers feature a zipper & single-button fly, two large front hip pockets, two rear seat pockets with single-button flaps, two single-button waist adjustment tabs, and seven belt loops. This camouflage pattern is loosely based on the legendary P42 “frog skin” pattern used by the US Marines in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. The “duck hunter/leopard” pattern consisted of a base color of dull yellow earth and overlapping spots of various shades of brown and green. When the first U.S. Army advisors arrived in Vietnam in the 1950's, they desperately needed camouflage uniforms for concealment to fight in the new jungle environment, but there was nothing available for purchase in Vietnam. Through the CIA's Counter-Insurgency Support Office, commercial camouflage hunting clothing was acquired from US sporting goods outlets including Sears. As the war outgrew the CIA's control, the US government placed orders for these uniforms with several South-East Asian countries including Japan, Taiwan, British Hong Kong, and South Vietnam under the Mutual Defense Assistance Program. The cotton uniforms varied in weight, coloration, and style with mis-matching of shirts, trousers, and hats being common practice as there was no standardization. This camouflage pattern was mainly used in the early phases of the war before the various tiger stripe patterns came into use. The 'U.S. Army' tape above the left breast pocket indicates this set was issued to either a Green Beret or a member of a Long Range Recon Patrol in the early part of the war, as those were the only Army units who were issued such non-standard uniforms. Above the right breast pocket is a name tape with the name 'Hayter' which can be researched to determine the unit the soldier belonged to. Both period-applied tapes are non-standard and were clearly sourced in-country. Most Green Berets and LRRP members didn't bother to badge their combat uniforms as they quickly wore out and had to be replaced in the tropical environment, so to find a privately-badged set like this one that's still in only lightly used condition with no visible wear/damage and minimal fading (colors are vibrant) is extremely rare and desirable. $500
#EC126 Vietnam War US “Duck Hunter/Leopard" Camouflage Utilities
Original Vietnam War US matching “duck hunter” or “leopard” camouflage lightweight cotton field jacket and trousers. Jacket features 5-button closure and two front breast pockets with single-button flaps. Manufacturer’s elaborate embroidered neck label reads “Made in British Crown Colony of Hong Kong, 100% cotton, XL, by Crown Hunting Clothing” with a second tag containing washing instructions. Trousers feature a zipper & single-button fly, two large front hip pockets, two rear seat pockets with single-button flaps, two waist adjustment tabs with two buttons each, and seven belt loops. This utility uniform is loosely based on the legendary P42 “frog skin” camouflage pattern used by the US Marines in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. The “duck hunter/leopard” pattern consisted of a base color of dull yellow earth and overlapping spots of various shades of brown and green. When the first U.S. Army advisors arrived in Vietnam in the 1950's, they desperately needed camouflage uniforms for concealment to fight in the new jungle environment, but there was nothing available for purchase in Vietnam. Through the CIA's Counter-Insurgency Support Office, commercial camouflage hunting clothing was acquired from US sporting goods outlets including Sears. As the war outgrew the CIA's control, the US government placed orders for these uniforms with several South-East Asian countries including Japan, Taiwan, British Hong Kong, and South Vietnam under the Mutual Defense Assistance Program. The cotton uniforms varied in weight, coloration, and style with mis-matching of shirts, trousers, and hats being common practice as there was no standardization. This camouflage pattern was mainly used in the early phases of the war. Really cool uniform set in excellent condition and large size. $200
#EC69 US ‘Duck Hunter/Leopard’ Camouflage Jacket & Bush Hat
Original Vietnam War Asian-made ‘duck hunter/leopard’ camouflage lightweight cotton jacket with 5-button closure, two front pockets (with single-button flaps) and bush hat with left side button-up brim, 4 vent holes, and chinstrap. Loosely based on the legendary ‘frog skin’ camouflage pattern used by the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific Theatre during WWII, the ‘duck hunter/leopard’ pattern consisted of a base colour of dull yellow earth and overlapping spots of various shades of brown and green. When the first U.S. Army advisors first arrived in Vietnam in the 1950’s, they needed camouflage uniforms for concealment to fight in the new jungle environment, but there was nothing available for purchase in Vietnam. Through the CIA’s Counter-Insurgency Support Office, commercial ‘duck hunter/leopard’ camouflage hunting clothing was acquired from US sporting goods outlets including Sears. As the war outgrew the CIA's control, the US government placed orders for these uniforms with several South-East Asian countries like Japan, Taiwan, British Hong Kong, and South Vietnam under the Mutual Defense Assistance Program. The cotton uniforms varied in weight, colouration, and style with mis-matching of shirt, trousers, and hat being common practice as there was no standardization. This camouflage pattern was mainly used in the early phases of the war before the various tiger stripe patterns came into use. Cool set. $200
#EC54 USMC ERDL Camouflage Tropical Combat Coat
Original Vietnam War era United States Marine Corps tropical combat fatigue jacket. Constructed of cotton wind resistant rip-stop poplin in brown-dominant ERDL camouflage. Made in 1970 (according to DSA contract number on ID tag) by Burgess Mfg. Inc. Complete with ID & size tags, all buttons, and black USMC stamp on left breast pocket. Worn condition with no damage, named to the Marine who use to wear it. Great example. $100
#EC18 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment "Rakkasans" Badge
Original 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment "Rakkasans" badge. Locally produced Japanese/Korean made example from the Korean War period. Similar badges would have been locally produced and used in the Vietnam War period as well. $25
#VN008 U.S. Browning Machineguns Caliber .30 M1919A6 and M37 Manual
Manual for Browning Machineguns Caliber .30 M1919A6 and M37. Printed by Headquarters, Department of the Army in July 1965. $10
SOLD
#SB7 Vietnam 'Graffiti' M1 Helmet - An Khê 1970
Original Vietnam War U.S. Army M1 'Graffiti' helmet. The graffiti include reference to the famous region of An Khê in Vietnam during 1970 with tour dates, other script including 'Soul Power' (Popular slogan with black soldiers) and 'No Bic' (Perhaps because he had to use a felt tipped marker and not a pen). We have made no attempt to take this apart, it is undisturbed and we have not even touched the helmet band which like the cover has really snugged down over time. The interior of the helmet is salty, and it's likely a rodent did a bit of chewing on some liner components. It has become increasingly difficult to acquire an original untouched Vietnam helmet with period writing on the cover. This iconic helmet would look great in any helmet collection. *Sold*
#RG62 USMC Vietnam Tiger Stripe Fatigue Coat
Original Vietnam War USMC tiger stripe tunic named to "Peter Sheridan" "Marines". The name and service branch have been applied in country with red thread likely by a local tailor. We haven't attempted to do any research on the name. Appealing Marine tiger stripe tunic that would look great in any collection. *Sold*
#VN041 USMC MAW Vietnam Lighter
Original U.S. Marine Corp, MAW (Marine Air Wing) Vietnam lighter featuring iconic eagle, globe, and anchor graphics. Appears to be in good working order but ran out of fuel a long time ago. Purchased in theatre, the lighter is a foreign brand. Covered in an even genuine patina. Very scarce to find originals. *Sold*
#VN048 Captured Viet Cong Flag
Original Vietnam War captured Viet Cong (VC) flag taken home by an American Soldier or Marine. Textbook example that has seen extensive combat use, showing a heavy patina and age. Great original flag. *Sold*
#RG75 Named U.S. Army Tiger Stripe Uniform in size Large
Original U.S. Army Vietnam War tiger stripe jungle fatigue uniform set in size large lightweight material. The jacket and trousers are both ink stamped "L" for size large. The set is named to "W. MEDDINGS" of "U.S. ARMY" and the consignor reports the set was purchased by a collector directly from the veteran. We were not provided any further details about Mr. Meddings. Desirable set. *Sold*
#RG143 Vietnam War 'Advisor' Tiger Stripe Jungle Fatigue Jacket
Original Vietnam War 'Advisor' tiger stripe jungle fatigues for ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) soldiers working with the Americans. These uniforms were extremely popular due to their cool camouflage pattern. U.S. made in size 'A-L' for Asian Large. This is a "Large" size uniform, but a lot of these advisors were very small people and this set nowadays would probably fit a North American Small/Medium instead of a contemporary Large. *Sold*
#EC42 Vietnam War Nguyen Dan Combat Knife Set
Original Vietnam War Nguyen Dan hand-forged combat knife and sheath. Crafted by bladesmith Nguyen Dan in the coastal village of Ninh Hoa in Khanh Hoa Province in central South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Dan made the blades from tempered scrap steel blanks (mostly springs from jeeps and other vehicles), the crossguards from molded scrap brass & copper (mostly small arms cartridge cases & plumbing hardware) and the handles from water buffalo horns. His knives were quality combat knives that were purchased by American, Australian, South Korean, and South Vietnamese soldiers. Included with the knife is it’s original heavily worn black leather sheath marked “Made In Germany” which is correct as Dan didn’t make his own sheaths. The handle has an old crack repair. The knife measures approximately 11” (Inches) with 6.5” blade. Nguyen Dan knives are rare and do not come up for sale often. A great piece for the advanced Vietnam War combat knife collector. *Sold*
#VN035 1957 Map of Hanoi, Vietnam, with ICC Provenance BGen Webber
Original 1957 map of Hanoi, located in the northern region of Vietnam, situated in Vietnam's Red River delta. This map was brought back to Canada by BGen Michael Henry Fairfax WEBBER (RC Sigs) who served in Vietnam in 1957-1958 with the International Control Commission (ICC). BGen Webber’s obituary can viewed online at this link: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theglobeandmail/obituary.aspx?n=michael-henry-fairfax-webber&pid=190005273.
This map was purchased by Combat-Relics Inc. directly from BGen Fairfax’s estate in Ottawa shortly after his passing, it was the only souvenir he kept from the region. Interesting map from the early days of conflict in Vietnam. *Sold*
#RG61 Vietnam War "Advisor" Tiger Stripe Fatigue Coat
Original Vietnam War tiger stripe jungle fatigue coat for ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam) soldiers working with the Americans. These uniforms were extremely popular due to their cool camouflage pattern, and not only worn by ARVN but also US soldiers. The jacket is stamped in the collar "A-M" for Asian Medium. Excellent lightly worn condition. *Sold*
#VN036 Army of the Republic of Vietnam Special Forces (LLDB) Badge
Original Vietnam War Army of the Republic of Vietnam Special Forces (Vietnamese: Lực Lượng Đặc Biệt Quân Lực Việt Nam Cộng Hòa or LLDB) 2nd generation pin on badge worn in some capacity by U.S. Special Forces. Nice original example period produced and sealed within a clear cellophane protective pouch. Rare piece of insignia that displays well and would be great to complete any LLDB or Vietnam War display. *Sold*
#VN029 U.S. Special Forces Green Beret
Original Vietnam war US Contract Green Beret. This beret was manufactured specifically for US Special Forces Training Facilities and Groups beginning in 1965. This example is code dated 1969 and has a proper period (late 60's early 70's) 5th Special Forces Group Beret flash. Shortly after the 5th Group was formed in 1961 they adopted a beret flash of black with a thin white border. However, after they began to be deployed as advisors to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) in 1964, they included the colours of the flag of the R of Vietnam within the group flash. Pinned through the flash is the US Special Forces Distinctive Insignia with De Oppresso Liber motto. It is the example made by Demark Military Equipment Corporation of Astoria, New York having their raised D-22 mark on the reverse. This example began production over the 1965-66 period. Also included is an early example of bullion 5th Group blazer jacket patch circa 1970's that came with the beret. *Sold*
#VN054 1960’s American Beauties Playing Cards
Original 1960’s deck of “American Beauties” playing cards. Vargas style artwork showcasing the beauty of American women, these cards were popular with soldiers serving in the Vietnam War. This is a complete deck with all 52 cards that is in used and played condition. *Sold*
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