M55 Flak Vest

[Wade20th]

Hey everybody. 

 

Just got this M-1955 flak vest at a surplus store in Saint Louis, Missouri. I got it for what I believe is a good price ($130 USD). It has a few small tears, but those can be repaired if necessary. All plates are present. The zipper is a bit corroded and is missing a few teeth, but that shouldn't be too big of a problem. I'm going to use this for reenacting. 

 

I have a few questions....

 

1. How much is it worth?

 

2. It has 2 names (James and Hartigan), or possibly one. Both are written in different handwriting. Was this flak issued to 2 soldiers or is it just someone writing their name weird?

 

Thanks!

 

Wade

 

[Radio Operator]

Nice vest, it will look great reenacting! Looks like it was made in 1971, and for $130 you did well. Don't think we do valuations here, but if you were to get that from eBay you would be paying a bit more and that's not including the shipping which can be big expense when armor vest collection.  

[blitz67]

Wade, I think they priced it right about where it should be.  To me the zipper issue is a fatal flaw and I would not have purchased it. I know it can be replaced but it is not an easy job and finding a correct zipper might be a small challenge.  Either way it was only $125 so no big deal, if you are happy with it that’s all that matters.  I did a quick ebay search of completed m55 auctions, they Range from less than $100 up to $3-400 depending on size and condition. Remember with eBay you have to factor in fees, taxes and the time and that accounts for about 30% of the selling price. So if it sells on eBay for $100 it’s probably really worth between $60-$70. I would definitely get an ebay account to check prices prior to buying.  It’s not the end all be all but it does help. Worthpoint is good too but you have to use it in conjunction with eBay to get a fair value for an item.  
 

I didn’t know values weren’t given in this forum???  That was an odd statement from the previous poster.

[Wade20th]

14 hours ago, Radio Operator said:

Nice vest, it will look great reenacting! Looks like it was made in 1971, and for $130 you did well. Don't think we do valuations here, but if you were to get that from eBay you would be paying a bit more and that's not including the shipping which can be big expense when armor vest collection.  

Thanks! 

 

Vest was made January 17th, 1971. 

 

Wade

[Wade20th]

3 hours ago, blitz67 said:

I didn’t know values weren’t given in this forum???  That was an odd statement from the previous poster.

Blitz67

 

I believe they meant in the Latest Finds section. I figured I could ask here as it is a recent find. 

 

3 hours ago, blitz67 said:

To me the zipper issue is a fatal flaw and I would not have purchased it. 

I figured it wouldn't be too much of a problem. I've seen quite a few photos of Marines not zipping up their flaks, and even if I needed to I could just button it up. Looks the part, at least. 

 

Thanks for the response, and the references!

 

Wade

[Wade20th]

This is a 2nd pattern M55, correct?

 

Thanks!

 

Wade