Original U.S. WWII Paratrooper Medical Bandage 2nd Pattern First Aid Packet Opened with Contents

Original Item: Only One Available. These are extremely rare in any condition, and this is the second opened example that we have been able to track down! It is in good condition, with some of the contents present.

This is a 2nd pattern First Aid Packet, as issued to airborne and glider troops during WWII. These were intended as a supplement to their regular first aid kits. Each contains a field dressing, a tourniquet, Sulfadiazine Tablets and Sulfanilamide in an envelope. The packets have two sewn on canvas straps, and were tied to the helmet, uniform or equipment for easy access.

This example retains the Carlisle model field dressing, the tourniquet, and a solution of Morphine Tartrate in its original small box. The morphine container appears unopened and original. The tourniquet retains its original caution label and is by Guyot Bros of Attleboro, Massachusetts.

The first pattern of the First Aid Packet had a zipper closure, but the second was intended as disposable, and was a waterproof rubberized canvas. It would be torn open at one end to reach the contents.

The second pattern packet was constructed of lighter weight waterproofed canvas. Unlike its predecessor, the second pattern packet was hermetically sealed and was to be opened by tearing the material using notches located at the top and bottom end of the packet. Once again the packet was to be attached to equipment by means of two material tapes which were stitched to the packet using a zig-zag style stitching technique.

The idea of this second packet was that it was expendable. The package was hermetically sealed, and could only be opened by tearing, and thus once opened could not be sealed again. AAF Manual 55-0-1 states the following, as advice for using the packet:

It can be opened by tearing either end, when needed.

A great opened example of a very rare U.S Airborne Accessory, ready to display!

Idiot Clause - the contents of this kit are pre-1945 manufacture and are NOT suitable for use. They are being sold as novelty collector pieces only.