Original US Military issue
Circa. 1960s
Beogam, (Leopard in Vietnamese) was produced from 1964 onward under US Military contracts that were part of the CISO (Counter Insurgency Support Office) program for use by indigenous Vietnamese forces and US Special Forces advisors. The indigenous forces who wore this camo were tribal Montagnards who operated militarily under the US-led CIDG (Civilian Irregular Defense Group). The pattern was derived from commercially available civilian Duck Hunter camo pattern clothing that was often privately purchased by US servicemen - The US Military hadn't yet adopted a camouflage uniform, so servicemen had to make do with civilian Duck Hunter camos until Beogam was introduced alongside Tigerstripe (also made under CISO) and later, the ERDL camo pattern which was standardised for "special personnel" in 1967.
Made with an outstanding, soft Japanese midweight 100% cotton selvedge twill. This shirt has an Asian cut with exposed 13-star button pockets and full-length front closure.
Very good condition with signs of real wear - All buttons, fittings, and fixtures are present. The size label is present but faded. Fading from wear has revealed deep purple colours which only appear with natural, vegetable dyes as used in many asian-made camo patterns from the period. Some light sporadic staining as shown.
