FIRE STARTING KIT (in plastic box) (1 ea). AKA ACCESSORY KIT
Fire Starting Tabs (14 ea). Knife, boy scout, (1 ea) Stock No. 7900-473900, Class 13. Oiler, oval, 3-ounce (AXS-777 oil), (1 ea). Whistle, police, (1 ea). Hand lens (1 ea).Or in it's place a Razor, safety, plastic (1 ea). Blades, razor, safety (10 ea).
Picture: Original fire starting tab left compared with modern reproduction made by your's truly, and currently being sold on ebay!
The tabs in this kit are especially useful for starting a fire in wet weather and will burn with a steady flame for three to four minutes. They will light only when scratched on the specially coated strip supplied with the case, or on similar safety match box strips. They can be cut into two, three, or four strips (with the coated edge at the end of each strip). The hand lens, which can be used as a burning glass in starting a fire, will be found in some kits but not in others, this was included in the prototype, and some early production vests, and was later replaced by the safety razor & blades, and the match case compass with the flint striker! The small plastic oil can, with its inverted spout, sometime leaks, especially after the spout has been unscrewed, used, and returned to its inverted position. Heat tabs will not strike properly if too much oil gets on them. The safety razors were made by Dillon Beck CO. in both red, and green plastic. These were marked D B in a Triangle, and Plastics by Dillon Beck U.S.A. on a black plastic plug on the bottom of the handle. At least 3 types of razor blades were used: (early issue) BBB Blaize Blue Razor Blades, Marlin Firearms Blades, and Perfect Razor Blades. 10 razor blades were usually placed in a blade box, some later kits may have had only 6 blades, and others may have not included the blade box, just the wraped blades! The whistle, and the oiler were standard. There is some confusion about the scout knifes, it seems there were several companies making these at the time, and some from each company may have been used. The early knifes had light brown grips, and the later were dark brown or black. manufactures may have included: Imperial, & Western. Camillus, & Pal Knife CO. are known examples. Hibbard Spencer Bartlett & Co. may have also been used, these were manufactured by Camillus or Sharade. The early brown Camillus knife was marked U.S.A., or Scout Knife in a shield on one side. The rarest is the Camillus knife marked A.A.F in the shield, this knife was also used in other kits, most notably the Type E-10 & E-11 emergency sustenance kits. The Pal was the most used, and seems to be the standard, especially in the late war vests. The fire starter tabs were made out of pressed sawdust and wax, These were then coated with a match like striker, and were to be struck only on the special striking strip located on the inside of the Accessory Kit box lid, the striker strip looks to be a piece of coated emery cloth. Later kits only had 12 tabs! The plastic box measures 1' x 3' x 4' These were placed in pocket # 12
PERFECT RAZOR BLADES
MARLIN FIREARMS RAZOR BLADES
BBB BLAIZE BLUE RAZOR BLADES
DILLON BECK SAFETY RAZOR
Red and green collapsible safety razors, correct for the accessory kit.
OD PLASTIC WHISTLE
Correct olive drab two tone whistle marked 44A8837
OIL CONTAINER
Correct oiler with inverted spout and cap, also has a small plastic washer to prevent leakage.
CAMILLUS SCOUT KNIFE
Early brown handle with leather punch marked in shield U.S.A.
CAMILLUS SCOUT KNIFE
Early dark brown handle with leather punch marked in shield SCOUT KNIFE
PAL KNIFE CO. SCOUT KNIFE
Early version Pal knife black handle with Remington style can opener blade.
PAL KNIFE CO. SCOUT KNIFE
Pal Knife late war with black handle, and leather punch.
PAL KNIFE CO. SCOUT KNIFE
Pal Knife late war with black handle, and small blade instead of leather punch.
It seems that there were two types of parachute rations, the first had some different contents, it was called "PARACHUTE RATIONS" Adopted Mar, 1943 Spec 23 July, 1943 This ration was larger in size and was included in the B-4 kit, not in the C-1 vest! Contents included:
The ration tin lid if cut correctly and bent back to form a handle could be used to heat water, or cook with. Hence another reason the cooking container was deleted. Original specs required 2 rations. In 1945 "Streamlined" C-1 vests were authorized where just 1 ration was required! The cans measured: 5 9/16" x 3 5/16" x 1 5/16" These also replaced the old syle parachute rations in the TYPE B-4 Packs.These rations were placed in pockets # 4 and # 8. The ration weighed 11½ ounces and contained about 1,062 calories.The parachute ration was used through the Korean War until February of 1952 when the specification was cancelled.
Instructions:
Each vest contains two tins of emergency rations, complete with can opener and instructions for its use. Eat the rations sparingly to supplement your catch of wild game and fish. If eaten alone, each tin will provide minimum nourishment for one man for only one or two days if he is inactive, less if he is traveling. Remember, however that the main purpose of your vest is to make it possible for you to live off the land or sea.
COMPASS, MATCH BOX, WATERPROOF (1 ea)
Stock No. 6200-061600, Class 13. This combination matchbox, compass, and flint contains forty half-length, wooden 'strike anywhere' kitchen matches in two layers, it is waterproof, and will float. Conserve the matches. Keep the lid on tight. The compass has luminous markings for night use. Tap it gently to be sure the card is floating free, and check with the sun to make sure it is working properly. The flint on the side of the box is for use in making fire from tinder and sparks. Be sure the tinder is dry. Sparks may be struck from the flint using such steel as the screw driver of the scout knife, etc. Strike with short, sharp strokes until the tinder ignites. Blow gently to fan the coals into flames. Inspection note: Compass fluid sometimes leaks, rendering the matches worthless. Card in compass sometimes sticks. Lid should be unscrewed now and then to make certain threads are in good shape. At least two companies made these: Livingston plastics, early prototype vests olive drab top with clear plastic case, without the flint striker on the side, A complete olive drab version, without the flint striker on the side, and Dupage CO., with an olive drab version, and a redish brown version, both had the flat type flint bar on the side! The matches were both red, and later green standard military water resistant type, and were at first placed in the container whole, later matches were cut in half, as about 40 could be carried. Some of the match box compasses may have at one time been stored in a rond paperboard tube. The Livingston clear plastic version was included in the early vests as these vests containded the burning glass insted of the razor & blades, and the improved match case with sparking flint! The Dupage company marketed their match box compasses to civilians in June of 1945. This was a favorite of boyscouts, fisherman, and campers! Pictured is a near mint Dupage with the super rare flat flint. These were placed in pocket # 13
Livingston Plastics
Dupage OD With Flint
CARTRIDGES, SHOT, .45 Caliber (M-15) (20 ea)
Ord. Stock No. T2-90-11-045 (T2DBA). These shells cannot be placed in the cartridge clip of the .45 pistol. Each shell must be cambered by hand and ejected before another can be inserted. Do not let them get wet. Remember that the proper range is 25 to 30 feet. At 45 feet the shot spreads out over a pattern ten feet in diameter, which means that, at that range, small game will rarely be hit. Carry a few shells in a shirt or pants pocket for quick use. Packed in foiled paper sealed box, cartridges marked RA 44 and RA 45. RA stands for Remington Arms, and numerals are the date of manufacture. These were placed in pocket # 7
REPELLENT, INSECT, Can (1 ea).
The early prototype of the C-1 vests did not include the insect repellent, so you may not find it in some kits. Repellent was included in the 2nd, and 3rd variation vests. Follow, to the letter, the instructions printed on the can. Use it freely, especially before going to sleep at night in the tropics. But keep it away from the eyes and mouth and do not let it come in contact with the plastic goggles, water canteen, or .45 holster, for it eats its way like an acid through some plastics. There is some speculation that insect repellent in glass bottles may have been used. If this is true they most likely were included in the prototype vests, as the 2nd variation vests, and the 3rd variation vests have such small pockets that the glass bottles won't fit. This one was made by: THE DAVIES-YOUNG SOAP CO. Bottom stamped 45B9088 These were placed in pocket # 16
MANUAL, SURVIVAL, 21W (WATERPROOF) (1 ea).
Class 30-D.
The first survival manual had the word survival printed diagonally across the front page, these manuals were marked as: AAFMC-397-WF-12-11-43. 4 million were procured for printing, it is not apparent if they were all printed as it appears that these manuals originaly included in the early production vests, had been updated to the more common version 21W with 412 million copies printed by James Grey Inc., New York, N.Y. in August,1944 one revision was the addition of blank pages in the back of the manual for personel notes. Later this manual was revised into AAF manual 64-0-1 with 300,000 copies being printed by the same company in June, 1944 The revision included some religious material, to eliminmate the need for a religious booklet in the life rafts.These manuals were also included in the type B-4 kit two years after its introduction. Measures 7 7/8" X 3 3/4" Manual 21W has 80 pages including cover. Manual 64-0-1 has 87 pages, this was due to additions of log pages, and Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish sctiptural selection pages. These were placed in pockets # 14 or 15
HOLSTER, PLASTIC WATERPROOF (1 EA).
This holster for the .45 pistol is made from the same flexible plastic as that of the plastic canteen. Closed carefully, it will keep the .45 quite dry, even if you have to swim a river. The .45 pistol was always sealed in this case before being placed in the vest holster. In issued vests these were stored inside the holster. Printed directions in blue ink: FOLD ON LINES AND ROLL TIGHTLY CLOSE SNAP
CANTEEN, WATER, PLASTIC (1 ea).
Holds three pints of water. Closed carefully, it may be carried with comfort from your belt, preferably at the left hip. Caution: Can be punctured easily, so treat it with care. Do not let insect repellent get near it. Do not leave it empty in hot sun or too near fire. In very cold weather it must be carried inside jacket or trousers to prevent freezing of water. Also, at low temperatures it becomes brittle and will break if handled roughly. The early type bladder canteens, were thicker than the later version, and some may have been placed in a paper wraper.
The wraper for the early canteen was marked CANTEEN, PLASTIC VINYLITE
S. BUCHSBAUM & Co. Contents 1 each PART NO. SB 210.
Printed directions in blue ink: (On side of canteen)
TO SEAL
FOLD CLOSER BAR AT TOP
OF CONTAINER
TURN TOWARD BUCKLE
INSERT STRAP THROUGH
BUCKLE AND PULL TIGHT
These were placed in pocket # 14
CAMILLUS SCOUT KNIFE
Early dark black handle with leather punch marked in shield A.A.F.
Most parachute rations had the Bloomfield P-38 can openers, but there have been a few with the J.W. Speaker & Wasburn P-38 can openers attached. Sometimes the can openers were taped to the bottom of the tins.
NESCAFE SOLUBLE COFFEE
Manufactured by: Netles Milk Products. Inc.
New york, U.S.A.
Packaged by: HENRY HEIDE, INCORPORAYED NEW YORK, NY U.S.A.
Net Wt. 5 Grams
DISSOLVE CONTENTS IN 1/3 CANTEEN CUP (8 OUNCES) HOT OR COLD WATER. STIR WELL. ADD SUGAR IF DESIRED. It appears that the original Specs called for 2 packets, but some later rations only have 1.
CHARMS CANDY TABLETS
NET WEIGHT 1 3/8 OUNCES
INGREDIANTS: SUGUR, NATURAL & ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, U.S. CERTIFIED COLORS, CITRIC ACID, ASCORBIC ACID, CREAM OF TARTER. MADE BY CHARMS CO., BLOOMFIELD, N.J., U.S.A 1944
This package is in wartime printing, not nearly as colorful as other earlier packages of Charms.
Livingston Plastics Clear
RATION BAG
Instructions printed on both sides: Place unused portion of ration in this bag and seal with paper clips. Bag measures 2 7/8" X 7 3/4" Bag pictured is folded in half as it was in the ration.
DILLON BECK SAFETY RAZOR
Red and black collapsible safety razor shown assembled with handle extended.
DEHYDRATED CHEESE AND CRACKERS
1 OZ. NET WGT. Eat in present form or reconstitute, using 2 mess-spoons water, and use as a spread. KRAFT CHEESE CO., Chicago, Ill. Dated on side 12 44
WATERPROOF VINYL MAP POUCH
These pouches were used for carrying a folded rayon escape map, a small escape compass, and at times a small sawblade.
Apparently when production was high and the regular military chocolate bars were in short supply, the Johnstons chocolate bars were used.
CHELSEA CIGARETTES
CHELSEA BETTER CIGARETTES
MANUFACTURED BY THE MAKERS OF
EDGEWORTH
America's Finest Pipe Tobacco
Side Reads: REED TOBACCO CO. BRANCH LARUS & BRO. CO. INC. Richmond, Va. U.S.
CHICLETS GUM
ADAMS CHICLETS CANDY COATED GUM
BACK MARKED: MADE OF GUM BASED SUGAR DEXTROSE CORN SYRUP SOFTENERS AND FLAVORING
AMERICAN CHICLE CO. MANUFACTURER
NEW YORK N.Y. MADE IN U.S.A.
DOMINOES PRESSED SUGAR TABLETS
AMERICAN SUGAR REFINING COMPANY
back marked "Sweeten it with Domino"
HALAZONE WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS
Contents: 15 HALAZONE TABLETS
For The Disinfection of Drinking Water
One Halazone Tablet is sufficent for one pint of ordinary water. If water is greatly polluted, use two tablets. Allow water to stand thirty minutes before drinking
MFD. by EMPIRE FINDINGS CO. L.I. CITY, N.Y.
HERB OX BULLION CUBES
Each ration contained 2 of these bullion cubes, Herb Ox Company is still making bullion to this day!
Livingston Plastics top with clear window, lubber line and arrow pointing North
C-1 Vest Matches 20 red tiped military water resistant matches stuck on original waffer, this is just half of the required 40 in the match case.
Coated Strip 1/2" x 2 5/18"
HAND LENSE
BURNING GLASS 1 9/16"
Lenses were sealed in a paper envelope about 2 1/4" x 2 1/4" These are not found in most kits as this item was only included in the original procurement, the lense pictured came from a near complete 2nd variation vest with lots of early components including the cooking container. The hand lense was replaced by the razor and blades, and the new match case compass with the flint attached to the side!
INSRUCTIONS FOR CARTRIDGES SHOT CAL. 45 M15
Photo Courtesy of Bob Breuninger
CARTRIDGES SHOT CAL. 45 M15
Photo Courtesy of Bob Breuninger
Scout knife instructions found inside a Navy ADR-1 aircraft droppable Sustenance kit!
Early survival manual, note transparent paper cover shows AAF winged star from page 1.
