September 15, 16, & 17, 2026 Firearms & Militaria
The live portion of this session begins on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Lot #2314:
US WWII US MARINE CORPS EXPERIMENTAL HBT BODY ARMOR FLAK JACKET.
Experimental body armor designed during World War II for the US Marine Corps. No markings except the small size tag on the collar marked "S". Two exterior pockets on the left size of the jacket. The buckles on the jacket are all labeled "Waterbury Buckle Co." and the snaps are marked "UNITED CARR". Every plate is secured in its sleeve by a button that can be undone to allow for their removal. There are 15 slots in total with added padding in each shoulder to make the armor a bit more comfortable to wear. This vest has the softer plates that are not made of Doron but rather a ballistic fiber enclosed in a waterproof covering. The Marine Corps supposedly procured 2000 jackets for testing and the 2nd Regiment, 2nd Marine Division was to use them, but by the time they were received they could only be used in the “mopping up” stage of Okinawa. The jacket is complete with all buttons. There is a mix of hard and soft plates in the pockets. The initials "J.O.J." are in the collar beneath the size tag. Scattered blemishes and staining. CONDITION: Good. Please note that this armor is being sold as a collectible only, and not a protective device
Item Dimensions: 28" x 20"