If the candidate is comfortable or at least not offended by the idea of diving without a BC device :
Steel 72 with J valve and rod coupled to a single tank harness from Allan (or doubles)
Must have DH or SH reg that still can be addressed with parts and service - MUST.
USD DA or Mistral (Comparable Voit regs) - the RAM borders on "modern"
USD Calypso balanced reg (SH) I think the 61 and 62 models have an HP fitting on the first stage - kind of nice. . . not sure though.
Scubapro Mk1-V - great little regs - with a 108 or 109 but I think the 109 almost borders on "modern" as does the 2nd and 3rd gen MkV. - JMO
Wetsuit if needed? Find a pattern, some smooth skin sheet neoprene, neoprene cement and make your own.
(VDH store should really add these items) hint, hint.
---------------------------------------------------
For a kit that is adaptable and can be used as a platform to progress toward more minimalism(i'm biased):
PRAM with HPR and DBE. - AL Conshelf 14 with AMF Swimmaster MR12 or SP 108 safe second. SPG.
VDH Plate with a little wing if desired. Wings? more wasted breathing gas
Blown plastic pack with 2" rubber harness and quik release buckles from Trident
for SH use. .
The above is more of a "vintage inspired" set up
The rest of the outfit should be what I call period correct -
AL Pacifica or 3 window mask - Modern silicone beats hardened rubber in my opinion but this could be called cheating.
I dislike high volume masks as a personal preference as they tend to suck the eyeballs out of my head and they waste breathing gas - yes, they do!
I use a set of Malay sourced UDT fins - the Gooey's snicker at them but oh well. Period Correct.
I use an SPG and I console myself with the fact that every thinking frogman would have used one if he had a fitting for it and they didn't tend to blow out frequently - I like hard data - I want numbers with regard to how much air is in my tank - especially with a steel 72 at 130fsw.
Depth gauge + working timer - NO COMPUTERS.
I also cheat with the weight belt - rubber free diver style with quick release from Trident - but use the uncoated lead.
Last but not least - Go to the nearest Army Navy and get the Mk 10 USMC KaBar fighting knife with the leather handle and leather sheath - treat all leather with that boot waterproofing compound from the outdoor store. Attach knife to waist band of harness from Allan.
Now go hunting SPECTRE combat swimmers or big sharks