Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great condition M69 Flak Vest Body Armor with 3/4 Collar in a size SMALL, the VERY first we have ever offered in this size. We have had 10 of these before, but only in sizes Medium and Large. These were designed with side elastic drawstrings, snap reinforced front zipper, and front two pockets. This allowed a secure fit and maximum protection from shrapnel and low velocity projectiles. This is an early production example, dated 1969.

Widely used by Army infantry, Navy sailors and Marines also were equipped with these, though not widely. Like its predecessor M-1952A, it was fabricated from 12 plies of ballistic nylon, to protect the wearer from explosion fragments. In fact, the name “M69” is the 1969 version of this series body armor’s model (ARMOR, BODY FRAGMENTATION PROTECTIVE, WITH ¾ COLLAR). This example differs from the normal M69 as there are snap closures instead of the velcro used in the official M69. Since this series of body armor are similar to each other, people refer to all of them by “M69”.
This example still retains both labels, the first reading:

SIZE SMALL
8470-122-1299
ARMOR, BODY, FRAGMENTATION
PROTECTIVE, WITH ¾ COLLAR
DSA-100-69-C-2579
RACHMAN MFG. CO.

This indicates it was manufactured in 1969 by the Rachman Manufacturing Company.  The bottom instruction label reads:

ARMOR, BODY FRAGMENTATION
PROTECTIVE, WITH 3/4 COLLAR
This armor may save your life! When properly worn, it will
Protect vital areas against shell and grenade fragments which
Cause most combat casualties.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. WEAR ARMOR OVER SHIRT AND UNDER FIELD JACKET
2. Adjust side laces to make armor fit the body but still
provide proper ventilation. Do not fit too tightly.
3. Use protective flaps to cover opening under side laces
and slide fastener. Protect slide fastener by fastening snap
closure.
4. DO NOT DRY THE ARMOR NEAR AN OPEN FLAME.

The flak jacket is in wonderful, service worn condition, offered in size small. Comes ready for display.