Original Soviet assault rucksack on a metal frame, produced in 1972 at the Karl Marx sewing and rigging plant and supplied as military aid to communist Vietnam. The backpack has been professionally restored with new thick leather straps, refurbished metal frame and carefully repaired combat wear. It combines authentic Vietnam War era history with very practical modern usability for hiking, display or reenactment. No routine returns, sold as a vintage collectible as is (eBay Money Back Guarantee may still apply where applicable). Buyer pays all customs duties and taxes; international delivery by Ukrposhta usually takes 12–21 days.
Assault Rucksack USSR Vietnam War Era Metal Frame Karl Marx Plant 1972
Original Soviet military aid to Vietnam • Metal frame • Restored leather • Collector piece
In front of you is an assault backpack of a Soviet infantryman or paratrooper on a rigid metal frame. The concept was based on captured American and South-Vietnamese rucksacks from the Vietnam War; Soviet designers copied the idea from trophies delivered by Vietnamese allies and created their own serial version, which was then shipped as military aid to communist Vietnam.
The backpack bears original factory markings of the Sewing and Rigging Plant named after Karl Marx (USSR), year of manufacture 1972, Grade 1 and serial number 383 with a star. There is also a handwritten name “Max” in Cyrillic on the flap – most likely the name of a Soviet military adviser or instructor who used this rucksack while serving in Vietnam.
This is not just a tourist bag – it is a piece of Cold War history, a physical reminder of how the USSR supported Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces far from home.
The backpack has undergone careful, sympathetic restoration while keeping its authentic look and patina:
Please review all photos carefully – they are part of the description and show the real condition: visible fading, repairs, small marks and traces of service that give the backpack its genuine character.
| Frame | Sturdy metal frame allowing the backpack to stand vertically on the ground. |
| Main compartment | Large main compartment with drawstring closure under the flap. |
| Side pockets | Two spacious side pockets with flaps and leather strap closures. |
| Waist support | Wide waist / lumbar support belt that transfers part of the load from the shoulders to the hips. |
| Shoulder straps | Adjustable shoulder straps with leather and canvas elements. |
| Fabric | Heavy canvas body in olive–khaki tone – classic Soviet military fabric. |
Sturdy metal frame allowing the backpack to stand vertically on the ground. Large main compartment with drawstring closure under the flap. Two spacious side pockets with flaps and leather strap closures. Wide waist / lumbar support belt that transfers part of the load from the shoulders to the hips. Adjustable shoulder straps with leather and canvas elements. Heavy canvas body in olive–khaki tone – classic Soviet military fabric.
Visually the volume is around 50–70 litres – enough for a multi-day hike or field deployment. Exact measurements are shown in the photos (if needed, please message me and I will provide additional measurements).
Thanks to the rigid frame and belt, the backpack carries weight very comfortably compared to soft tourist rucksacks of the same period.
Excellent centerpiece for a Vietnam War / Cold War / Soviet military collection. Suitable for historical reenactment of Viet Cong, NVA or Soviet advisers in Vietnam. Can still be used for real hiking and camping if you enjoy going outdoors with authentic gear. Great conversation piece for museums, themed interiors or photo studios.
Worldwide shipping from Ukraine. Primary method: Ukrposhta international – estimated 12–21 days to most destinations (may vary by country and season). The backpack will be carefully packed to protect the frame, leather parts and canvas.
| Origin | Ukraine |
| Carrier | Ukrposhta international |
| Transit time | Usually 12–21 days (depends on destination and customs) |
| Packaging | Extra protection for frame, leather parts and canvas |
Vintage item, sold as is (as found). This is a historical, used military rucksack with visible age, repairs and patina. It is not a new factory product. No routine returns or exchanges. The purchase is made as a vintage collectible. By buying, you confirm that you have carefully studied the description and photos and agree with the condition of the item. eBay Money Back Guarantee may still apply according to eBay rules. In rare cases where a return is authorised by eBay or by the seller, the item must be sent back in the same condition as received, with all parts and accessories. Return shipping. For international purchases, return postage is typically paid by the buyer in accordance with eBay case resolution and local regulations. It is strongly recommended to use a tracked and insured service for any return shipment. Customs, duties, taxes. All customs duties, import taxes, brokerage fees and other charges in the buyer’s country are paid by the buyer. The seller does not control or influence these charges or possible customs delays. This is a collector and display item, not a modern commercial product. Any further cleaning, repair, modification or professional restoration is entirely at the buyer’s cost and choice.
NO RETURNS. This item is sold AS IS as a vintage / collectible item.
In the rare case when a return is required by eBay rules, the buyer is fully and exclusively responsible for the following:
A refund (if applicable under eBay rules) is issued ONLY after the item is received back, inspected by us, and confirmed to be in the exact original condition as before shipping.
The buyer also pays all customs duties, taxes, VAT and import fees on the original shipment. Customs delays are possible; the seller is not responsible for customs processing times or extra charges.