Not everything brought back from Vietnam ended up in a display case. Some items were tossed in drawers or forgotten in footlockers. Over time, a few started to stand out. Slide to uncover ten war-era pieces that have shifted from tools of conflict to valuable records of a war that left nothing untouched.
SOG SCUBA/Demo Knife
Ben Baker designed this dual-edge knife for MACV-SOG, a covert U.S. special operations unit. Only 39 were made in Japan with SKS-3 steel and leather handles. They were issued without markings, and just one original is known to have survived. Consequently, replicas sell for $300–$600, but the originals can fetch around $3,000.
Engraved Zippo Lighters
Carried by many U.S. soldiers, Zippo lighters were often engraved by local artisans with slogans or illustrations. They served both functional and symbolic roles, including during raids. Some even featured dark or emotional inscriptions. Authentic examples with verified field use to date fetch prices exceeding $200 in the collectors’ market.
Psyops Leaflets
Presently valued between $40 and $1000, U.S. propaganda leaflets from the Vietnam War have become prized collectibles. Over 800 were dropped across the countryside, including 367 tied to the Chieu Hoi defection program. Some featuring ghost-like figures were also meant to intimidate. These eerie flyers once haunted the land; now they echo through collector circles.
Tunnel Rat Flashlights
Original tunnel rat flashlights with verified field use are rare and can sell for $250 today. Such compact lights, designed for stealth, frequently had red lenses to preserve night vision and pressure switches to stay silent. Such features gave tunnel rats an edge as they navigated the tight, dangerous Viet Cong tunnels.
War Correspondent Press Passes
By 1968, more than 600 journalists had been accredited in Vietnam. Their press passes opened doors to previously restricted areas and military briefings. Passes linked to key battles of known reporters are highly collectible. With proper verification and visible field wear, some examples presently sell around $200.
Vietnam War Comic Books
Vietnam War comics began with a patriotic focus. Later titles like “The ‘Nam” highlighted the personal and emotional side of the conflict. Created with veteran input and published in real time, the series also received critical attention. Graded or signed first editions can now sell for $200 to around $300.
Declassified Recon Maps
Special Forces used durable maps to move through dense jungle terrain, widely made of waterproof plastic or treated paper. Today, verified originals with field annotations can fetch up to $300 to $500. These maps often included hand-marked enemy positions, patrol routes, or landing zones. Because of their battlefield ties, they remain highly sought after by collectors.
Ration Kits (C-Rations, LRPs)
Standard-issue C-Rations, widely used in Vietnam, were known for poor taste. Special Forces favored LRPs, valued for portability and freeze-dried packaging. Some kits included matches or condiments. One unpopular option even became widely disliked. Sealed rations with original contents can command $200+, while LRPs are valued higher.
PRC-25 Field Radios
The PRC-25 radio replaced the PRC-10 in the 1960s. It offered a 3–4 mile range and became vital in the Vietnam War field ops. General Abrams called it the most important tactical item. Currently, collectors pay $160 to $750 or more for preserved, original units with complete hardware or documentation.
Captured Viet Cong Flags
Verified Viet Cong flags in good condition can fetch $150 to $1500, based on combat history and preservation. Many were handmade and seized during raids, becoming prized keepsakes among U.S. troops. Flags linked to specific units or major battles now carry strong appeal in the collector market.
