Original Item. Only One Grouping Available. This is an unusually extensive collection of original U.S. WWII and early postwar venereal-disease prevention material, combining an official 1944 War Department educational pamphlet with military chemical prophylactic packets and several period commercial brands of prophylactics.

The centerpiece is an original War Department Pamphlet No. 21-15, “You Don’t Think…”, formally published on June 13, 1944. The back cover states that it was issued “for the information and guidance of all concerned,” by order of the Secretary of War and signed in print by General George C. Marshall, Chief of Staff. Especially interesting is its printed distribution instruction:

“One to each male officer and enlisted man in the continental U.S.”

This pamphlet formed part of an official Army-wide educational campaign addressing sexual behavior and the prevention of venereal disease among servicemen. This example remains in very good condition, showing only light age-related toning to the pages. The printing remains vivid and legible throughout, and all pages are present and intact.

Accompanying the pamphlet are two original Individual Chemical Prophylactic Packets, commonly known as “Pro-Kits.” One was manufactured by Comfort Manufacturing Company of Chicago, while the other is marked for G. Barr & Co., Chicago, Illinois. These brown paper packets were intended for chemical prophylaxis following possible exposure to venereal disease. The standard packet contained an ointment tube, direction sheet, soap-impregnated cloth, and cleansing tissue. The Comfort packet is particularly desirable for its prominent “FOR ARMY USE ONLY” marking and Item No. 9118000 designation.

Also included are two Reese Chemical Company “Dough-Boy Prophylactic” packets, both featuring the memorable blue-and-red image of an American soldier carrying his rifle. Reese Chemical Company of Cleveland, Ohio had marketed the Dough-Boy line for many years, and variants were used during both World Wars.

The two examples in this group are especially interesting because they represent differing formulations. One advertises a calomel-based preparation with oxyquinoline benzoate, while the larger packet contains a two-part treatment including a sulfathiazole ointment for urethral application and a separate 30% calomel ointment for external use, together with soap, cleansing material, and directions. The packaging retains strong red-and-blue graphics despite the normal wrinkling and staining expected from decades of storage.

Rounding out the collection is an excellent selection of period commercial prophylactics of the types that servicemen could encounter through pharmacies, PX sales, or private purchase. Included are:

• An Ultrex Platinum hinged metal prophylactic tin retaining three original folded rubber prophylactics, with attractive red lithographed advertising and the familiar “PRESS HERE AND RUB” instruction.
• A Cello’s X Latex Prophylactics carton, prominently marked “CONTENTS ¼ DOZ.”, or three prophylactics.
• A connected strip of four Golden Pheasant prophylactics, packed by W. H. Reed & Co., Atlanta, Georgia, retaining excellent red, blue, and gold-colored printing.

While the Army issued its own chemical Pro-Kits and mechanical prophylactics, commercial brands were also widely available to servicemen. During WWII the U.S. Army devoted considerable resources to preventing syphilis and gonorrhea because lost duty time directly affected manpower. Army medical histories record the adoption of the calomel-sulfathiazole formula and describe the individual packets as a standardized component of the wartime venereal-disease prevention program.

Condition is very good overall, with expected age toning, creasing, staining, and minor storage wear to the paper items. The Ultrex tin shows light handling wear and retains its three original contents, while the Golden Pheasant packets and Cello’s carton remain attractively printed with typical age-related edge wear.

All medicinal and prophylactic contents are sold strictly as historical collectibles; they are absolutely not suitable for their originally intended use.