Reference Guides — US Army

US ERDL & Woodland Camouflage Patterns 1948-1981

Posted by Alex Valli on

A comprehensive guide to the development and identification of US Military ERDL and Woodland camouflage patterns. This article studies the 30 years of development from the conception of the M-1948 pattern to the final evolution of Woodland in 1981.

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Tigerstripe Swatches

Posted by Alex Valli on

An article dedicated to the study and preservation of the innumerable Tigerstripe camouflage patterns of the Vietnam War period and beyond. A wide variety of Tigerstripe patterns were commissioned by US and South East Asian military organisations throughout the Vietnam War and contracts were awarded to numerous manufacturers across East Asia. Loose tolerances, various localised dying practices, and the expectation to meet demand explain the diversity of colourways seen on Tiger patterns. The swatches shown in this article display a range of colourways and fade patterns.

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Headwear of the Vietnam War

Posted by Alex Valli on

A page dedicated to showcasing our curated archive of Vietnam War-era headwear, encompassing boonies, caps, and berets. This gallery serves as a freely accessible public resource intended for reference, study, and the preservation of the diverse headgear used during the Vietnam War.

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The Ultimate Visual Buyers Guide to the M65 Field Jacket

Posted by Alex Valli on

Since its initial development in the mid-60s, numerous minor updates to the design have taken place. While these changes bear little improvement to the practicality or ‘look’ of the M65, they can serve collectors and military hobbyists who wish to identify when their jacket was produced. While contract labels will always offer an exact two digit date code, if the labels are missing, one may use these particular nuances to their advantage.

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