3/4 Collar Flak vest Info

[Willy Savage]

I recently purchased a 1968 3/4 Collar Flak vest made by The Martin Lane Company, size large, I am really pleased with it, the condition is good, well worn and showing signs of its age. I noticed though that the ballistic lining was bunched so I unpicked the rear lower seam to get to the liner, this was in several sections joined with OD cotton material and elastic all sewn together using a machine. Is this standard, a modification or something that's done when its sold on when the armies done with it to render it unfit for use? As i can't see why the lining can't be fitted inside the vest in one piece! Anyway it is now all sewn back together, no bunching now.

[Sabrejet]

The '69 vests appeared in several variants. The 12 ply filler material was prone to bunching so a modified version was produced with plastic stiffening panels designed to lessen if not prevent the bunching. Earlier ones had the filler enclosed in a clear polyurethane cover which was prone to move about a bit within its OD nylon outer cover.

[Willy Savage]

Thanks, this has a thick white nylon liner made up of layers with square plastic inserts. Its looks like its been cut as the raw edges have not been overlocked on a sewing machine like the outer edge which points to it being done after it left the factory?

[Sabrejet]

Thanks, this has a thick white nylon liner made up of layers with square plastic inserts. Its looks like its been cut as the raw edges have not been overlocked on a sewing machine like the outer edge which points to it being done after it left the factory?

 

 

Possibly? Are you able to upload some pics? A picture paints a thousand words!

[Willy Savage]

I wish I had taken some photos but in the heat of repair I didn't..dohh! I wondered whether the military did this when the vest passes on to civilian sale. Or by the original owner to help with comfort, I was informed my vest was issued to a helicopter pilot!

[B229]

Thanks, this has a thick white nylon liner made up of layers with square plastic inserts. Its looks like its been cut as the raw edges have not been overlocked on a sewing machine like the outer edge which points to it being done after it left the factory?

 

That sounds like a standard vest. The ballistic nylon filler is white, made of panels and they have unbound edges. The plastic stiffeners, added to production vests in 1968, should be between the layers of armor. The panels are made in sections to increase flexibility and allow the wearer some movement while he has the vest on.

[B229]

The '69 vests appeared in several variants. The 12 ply filler material was prone to bunching so a modified version was produced with plastic stiffening panels designed to lessen if not prevent the bunching. Earlier ones had the filler enclosed in a clear polyurethane cover which was prone to move about a bit within its OD nylon outer cover.

 

If you're referring to the M-69 vest, no, it came in only one version which wasn't produced until 1970. Since the OP stated his vest is dated 1968, it clearly isn't an M-69.