Nkomo Posted May 13, 2009 Share #1 Posted May 13, 2009 I picked this vest up awhile back. Just getting around to posting it on the forum. This was in the bottom of a large box of LBV's. Al lthe LBV's were the first models...not the newer enhanced versions. In the bottom was this neat modified 1988 dated EXPERIMENTAL LBV. The tag is washed out a bit, but it definitely says Experimental. The buckles are ITW-NEXUS and are also dated 1988. What is so odd about this vest is that it has been heavily modified by the soldier removing the M-16 magazine pouches and adding a three cell mag pouch on the right side. The left side is all velcroed. Also, there has been a small black pouch sewn to the back side of it. Definitely seen some use. Arch Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nkomo Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share #2 Posted May 13, 2009 Close up of velcro area. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nkomo Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share #3 Posted May 13, 2009 Close up of magazine pouch. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nkomo Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share #5 Posted May 13, 2009 Close up of back pouch. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nkomo Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share #6 Posted May 13, 2009 Close up of the white experimental tag. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AK101 Posted May 13, 2009 Share #7 Posted May 13, 2009 Any tags/info on the back pouch? Looks like an early SOE brand item. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CamoDeafie Posted May 13, 2009 Share #8 Posted May 13, 2009 neat vest! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nkomo Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share #9 Posted May 13, 2009 Any tags/info on the back pouch? Looks like an early SOE brand item. AK101, No tags on the back pouch. It is an odd piece. It is open on both ends and has a velcro loop on the inside. Not a clue what it is for though. By the way...thanks for the compliments. Arch Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mr-X Posted May 13, 2009 Share #10 Posted May 13, 2009 Very nice vest Arch. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nkomo Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share #11 Posted May 13, 2009 I had a request to post pics of the inside of the panels. Here you go! This is the right side. Arch Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nkomo Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share #12 Posted May 13, 2009 Left side. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
craig_pickrall Posted May 13, 2009 Share #13 Posted May 13, 2009 Arch, The black pouch on the back was originally made / sold as a key case. Hard to say why it was sewn on the vest and what it was used for. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
taucco Posted May 13, 2009 Share #14 Posted May 13, 2009 good find, the triple pouch is definitely an American Body Armor one. Maybe the velcro panel was used to attach similar pouches. As for the key case on the back, maybe it was intended to attach a rope. When in the army (in Italy) we often attached 50 feet of rope on our backs with two straps; it may be an ingenious way to do the same. Unluckily that is an experimental LBV that has been butched Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nkomo Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share #15 Posted May 13, 2009 good find, the triple pouch is definitely an American Body Armor one. Maybe the velcro panel was used to attach similar pouches. As for the key case on the back, maybe it was intended to attach a rope. When in the army (in Italy) we often attached 50 feet of rope on our backs with two straps; it may be an ingenious way to do the same. Unluckily that is an experimental LBV that has been butched Thanks for everyone's kind compliments and the great information. As for the experimental LBV being butchered....I have two more unmodified experimental 1988 LBV's in my collection....one used and one mint. I had thought about a rope and it could very well be what it was used for. I figure this vest will go well for a Op. Just Cause display I've been trying to work up. Been thinking about doing a display of one for some time now. Arch Quote Link to post Share on other sites
craig_pickrall Posted May 14, 2009 Share #16 Posted May 14, 2009 I don't think that key case is big enough to handle more than about 4 or 5 strands of rope. I would think if you wanted to carry a 50' line that it would be coiled tighter than that. I'm not sure if Swiss seats are still used but it could probably close around that. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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