Original Item: Only One Available. The Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) employed an array of variations in clothing issued to the men and women in its armed forces. At the birth of the republic, military clothing was nearly identical to that of the former State of Vietnam or “Bao Dai Republic”, consisting largely of French manufactured/inspired pieces with a percentage of WW2 surplus uniforms from the United States and to a lesser extent Great Britain. By the end of the Diem period, the uniforms of the republic’s armed forces had developed their own unique aesthetic. Contrary to popular misconception, the vast majority of South Vietnamese military clothing was manufactured in Vietnam, and is greatly distinguishable from US items.
Army berets were black or brown and could have metal or bullion insignia. The badge on the beret shown here is marked V.B.N.V. for Vệ Binh Nam Việt. the National Guard of the South Vietnam. The arms of the VBNV was: Gules, a sword per pale surrounded by a dragon Or. In chief a yellow scroll with the initials V.B.N.V.
The interior retains the original Saigon foil manufacture label and a 55 size marker both contained under the original cellulose sweat guard.
A lovely example ready for further research and display.