Rare 1984 West German Mehler Ballistic Vest Type S 811-195-01 Size M - Complete For Sale

DISCLAIMER: This item is an expired, vintage historical military collectible manufactured in 1984. It is sold strictly for historical display, museum collection, or reenactment purposes. It is far past its manufacturer expiration date and is NOT intended, certified, or sold to provide modern ballistic protection.
For sale is an incredibly rare, authentic piece of Cold War military history. This is a 1984 West German Val. Mehler AG Type S 811-195-01 body armor vest system in a Size Medium. Unlike the vast majority of vintage European surplus vests on the market which have had their armor removed or destroyed, this vest is 100% complete.
It includes the original outer olive drab carrier shell, the internal soft aramid ballistic liners, and the exceptionally rare matching hard protection plates, both still in good condition and not fragmented or damaged.Interesting Backstory: This specific vest has a unique chain of custody. It was acquired in the mid-1990s by a former FBI agent and was later utilized as a tactical prop/wardrobe piece in the niche 2003 movie P.I Blues. To prepare the vest for on-camera use, the scratchy external manufacturer paper tags on the fabric shell were removed by the production department. The inside lining features handwritten wardrobe inventory markings, likely designating it as the primary (\"1\") and Wardrobe (\"W\") piece for the character. This can’t be 100% proven but this is what I have been told by the previous owner. The price is reflecting the value I could find of the vest itself NOT added value from the story. While the fabric paper tags are gone, the vest\'s authenticity is verified by the pristine, matching internal inserts (Two sets of hard and soft plates for the front and back) The ballistic elements retain their original bright yellow factory stencils: Manufacturer: VAL. MEHLER AG, Type: S 811-195-01, Serial Number: 2705, Year of Production: 1984, Size: M (Medium)Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The olive drab fabric is clean, completely intact, and free of major stains, rips, or tears. Minor wear consistent with age and theatrical handling. All the velcro panels, and buttons are fully functional and secure. The yellow factory lettering on the internal armor elements is perfectly legible, crisp, and bright. This is a great addition to any military surplus, Cold War, or European body armor collection. Based on what information I could find complete Mehler sets with intact internal plates rarely surface on the open market in the United States. Please use the photos for condition, what is listed in the photos is what is included with the listing. Feel free to message with any questions or for more photos and any offers.