Very Nice Late-WWII USMC Motor Vehicle 12 Unit First Aid Kit

Description

10/28/26 - The is a very nice example of a Late-WWII USMC motor vehicle 12-Unit first aid kit which was made for Jeeps. There were different variations of these kits for different vehicles and units, such as 12-Unit or 24-Unit kits, or kits for specific types of warfare, such as general first aid (like this kit), or gas casualties. This particular kit was manufactured by A. E. Halperin Co. which was one of four complete kit suppliers. The underside of the lid bears the instruction and contents label which instructs the user on how to treat certain injuries and ailments, and the right side of the label has a list breaking down the proper contents of the box. The contents of these boxes changed through the war to provide the best support for the U.S. troops. The changes in these contents helps us identify the years in which they were issues during the war. The contents of this box contains (2) boric acid Burn Injury Sets (No. 9103800) which puts its production post-June 1943. Additionally, the new M-2 Eye Dressing Set (No. 9109510) and the Tourniquet-Scissors-Forceps Set (No. 9379700) being present in this kit puts its production after March 1944. While the metal container is original, the content boxes within it are believed to be reproduction. The safety pin set in this kit was manufactured by Risdon, though this was not uncommon as many items, such as the safety pins, were commonly outsourced for production from the manufacturers. The original olive drab coating on this kit is in excellent shape with almost no finish or color loss. The top and bottom of the case show some signs of surface blemishes from general wear and handling, though very minimal damage goes beyond the exterior finish. The top of the kit has retained almost all of its original paint markings saying "FIRST AID // U. S. (red cross) M. C. // FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY". The instruction/contents label is in excellent shape with very little damage and clearly legible ink. The only damage present on this label is a small area of liquid damage near the top left corner of the label, though this does not reach any ink. The neoprene gasket surrounding the underside of the lid is still present and provides a proper seal, though there are some signs of cracking towards the outer ring of the gasket. The interior of the kit, between the metal case and the medical contents, has a period-correct corrugated lining, which was used as a protective barrier for the contents. The left flap of the cardboard on the inside is separated from the rest of the liner, though it is still present. Overall this is a very nice example of a scarce USMC 12-Unit first aid kit from late-WWII.