Hey guys, as a collector I wanted share my findings and delve into some history of the SV –1 survival vest used by the US Navy and Marine aircrews during the Vietnam war. It appears it was developed in the late 50s or early 1960s with the earliest date I have seen being 1962. A relatively simple design it is constructed of green nylon material with large left and right chest  pockets / compartments and zipper closures along the tops of each. The vest was worn high on the chest, supported by too wide adjustable shoulder straps. There is a zipper at the front and 3 nylon ties in the rear for adjustment. I’ve observed that most of these vests have had those ties either sewn together or removed and replaced by elastic bands so to be  custom fit to the aircrew member. The 2 large compartments contain three smaller pockets inside. The colors varied from Sage to OD  green. I have also observed several different manufacturers as well. The SV1 vests were to be eventually replaced by the new improved SV2 in the late 1960s though they continued in service until the end of the war. I haven’t run across any authorized listing of contents for this vest (unlike the SV2) but we can assume from the observation of photos and samples that came from veterans sales that there was always survival kits (PSK-2, SEEK 1 or 2), signal devices, and the usual service provided or personally acquired survival items.    I have included here some photos of SV-1 vests I have had in my personal collection at least two of which had come from the veterans estates. I hope you found this of interest and helpful to any new collectors and is always any additional information on these would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.   Scott    NOTE: Examples 3, 4 & 5 are photos of a vest that was used by a USMC UH-34D helicopter pilot while serving in Vietnam.

you are correct.  # is 58XXX. Thank you for the help.  Is the blue heart enamel?

Tried finding obituary, nothing showed up.

Also, it’s not that it’s not active, just a little less foot traffic than usual, and many people usually see it, but most won’t make a comment.

Could try finding a roster for the 11th armored medical unit, there you may be able to narrow down your search, but this only works with some kind a name. Usually it’s pretty hard to find someone through a Laundry number, but not impossible. I’m honestly not experienced enough to even know go to do it. Best of luck

@jsand - I think the buckle you just posted was made in Guam / Marianas Islands.  Below is a similarly engraved one from 1945.  @Spike - Your UDT buckle was made in the 1970s or 1980s  

Hi @woskmilitaryca Donna. Long time! Tod Rathbone here. Hey, if you have questions about value, please post items in this topic: https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/forum/1195-whats-it-worth/    

The collective knowledge, offered by everyone responding, extends my understanding.  I was unaware of the Gebruder - Solingen import.  Photos of the saber I found are attached.  This is the 1840 model heavy saber.  I appreciate your understanding of dragoon equipment.  What markings appear on the French fabrication?

oh that's bad :-) Do you know the best place to ask for some this info pls?  

Many times I get no comments.