WW2 British, Army Issue, Ointment Anti-Gas No.6, Tube Variant Tin, Coloured Coded ‘Green’.

Anti-gas ointments were developed to protect troops from the effects of blistering gases and could be used as a preventative (applied in anticipation of an attack) or curative (applied to blisters after an attack). The ointment consisted of a strong alkali to neutralise acidic blistering agents and could also be used to decontaminate weapons and equipment. Personnel were issued with two tins; one to be stored in the haversack and the other in the pocket of the anti-gas cape. The ointment itself was predominantly manufactured by ‘British Drug Houses’ (sometimes stamped BDH) with most of the tins being made by the ‘Metal Box Co. and stamped with MB or the number 12.

Ointment Anti-Gas No.6 was issued from mid 1944 onwards. The ointment itself was a mixture of Chloramine-T and vanishing cream and was held in plain tubes without labels.

This empty example is date stamped 45 (re-issued in 53) and is further ‘over’ stamped in red to the lid ‘FOR TROPICAL USE’ (developed for use in countries with higher ambient temperatures and humidity). It is priced to reflect its some paint loss, albeit that it has no contents.

Code: 283