There are a few reproduction items on the market, including the vest itself, these vest were made by Alpha Industries, the vest are most recognizable because of the vibrant colors used in manufacturing. The company made both OD shade, and Air Force Blue. Both are the same, thay do not have the tie straps on the back as do the original vest, they are one piece, with a solid constructed back. These are great for anyone who want to use a vest without damaging an original. Other reproduction items on the market, are Fire Starting Tabs, I offer these, as the originals are very hard to find, repro Toilet Tissue, and the Gauze Bandage with empty Sulfaniamide Packet are also readily available. In England you can pick up Emergency Parachute Rations, these are ok, but don't really live up to the originals. Parts of the Fishing Kit are also out there, the 6 Ft. Steel, and 6 Ft. Nylon Leaders, are the same as the Type E-17 kit, so is the light 18 lb. Cuttyhunk Line. Seems like I remember the Hooks and Sinkers Kit too! The Sewing Kit has also been reproduced, complete with the original type Sail Maker Needles! There are Perfect Razor Blades being reproduced. And of corse the Survial Manual 21-W, and the Insruction Booklet, by far these are the most reproduced items that I have seen! I have seen one type of knife that definitely is not correct, that is the Imperial Knife Camp King, this knife is close to the Pal Knife Co., and the Camillus Knife Co. but was made several years later. Most vest are correct and original, and are not all that rare, only near mint, and protoype vest are really getting hard to find! Original components are getting scarce. There are sellers offering vest with mixed components, most of which are not correct for the vest, I don't know if they do this because of lack of knowledge, or if they are just trying to take advantage of buyers! Beware! As for reproduction items, there is a demand for items to fill your vest pockets, that is untill you find that hard to find original!
For more information on these vest please see the about me page for a link to the C-1 Vest Collectors Site!
Good luck to all my fellow collectors!
Cheers!
Michael

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