It's been 9+ months since sidemount - somebody who's spent a few years in yer actual Armed Forces, by the way - posted his question. It is fair to assume that he disposed of the kit in some suitable way fairly early in that period. Checking the dates of older posts prior to responding is generally a good idea.
The educational part of your post was worthwhile, though. I suspect that a lot of people would be unaware of the value of older kit.