In pristine untouched condition almost like a time capsule, we have a very rare and seldom seen US WW2 issue Pilots escape and evasion Gold Barter & Bribe Kit. Firstly let me say that intact un-opened kits like this are almost unheard of, most of them were split open to recover the contents which is approximately 1 oz of fine gold. Secondly the kit contains the flowing: 2 British 1/2 Sovereign Gold coins, 1 Sovereign Gold Coin and a French 20 & 10 France Gold Coin, plus three Gold rings. These items are sealed in a block of rubber material and they were serial numbered because of the high monetary value. You had to sign for these and they were closely accounted for. This is accompanied by an X-ray to confirm the contents are still sealed inside.
During WWII these kits were issued to pilots and also to OSS Agents who had to make clandestine drops into Occupied Europe. If things went south on a mission the contents could be used to barter for food or supplies and to bribe or barter for whatever help was needed. There was also a Kit for the Pacific theater which contained gold chains and trinkets. From an antique and numismatic standpoint these kits have considerable value and interest. Collectors go crazy for these kits and the paratrooper first aid kits that still have the morphine in them, they really can jazz your collection up!
