{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-early-postwar-venereal-disease-prophylactic-grouping-with-1944-war-department-you-don-t-think-pamphlet-army-pro-kits-dough-boy-kits-period-prophylactic","title":"Original U.S. WWII \u0026 Early Postwar Venereal Disease Prophylactic Grouping with 1944 War Department “You Don’t Think” Pamphlet, Army Pro-Kits, Dough-Boy Kits \u0026 Period Prophylactic","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe centerpiece is an original War Department Pamphlet No. 21-15, “\u003cb\u003eYou Don’t Think…\u003c\/b\u003e”, 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e“One to each male officer and enlisted man in the continental U.S.”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccompanying the pamphlet are two original Individual Chemical Prophylactic Packets, commonly known as “\u003cb\u003ePro-Kits\u003c\/b\u003e.” One was manufactured by \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eComfort Manufacturing Company of Chicago\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, while the other is marked for \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eG. Barr \u0026amp; Co., Chicago, Illinois\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e. 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 “\u003cb\u003eFOR ARMY USE ONLY\u003c\/b\u003e” marking and Item \u003cb\u003eNo. 9118000\u003c\/b\u003e designation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso included are two Reese Chemical Company “\u003cb\u003eDough-Boy Prophylactic\u003c\/b\u003e” packets, both featuring the memorable blue-and-red image of an American soldier carrying his rifle. \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eReese Chemical Company of Cleveland, Ohio\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e had marketed the Dough-Boy line for many years, and variants were used during both World Wars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRounding 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn \u003cb\u003eUltrex Platinum\u003c\/b\u003e hinged metal prophylactic tin retaining three original folded rubber prophylactics, with attractive red lithographed advertising and the familiar “\u003cb\u003ePRESS HERE AND RUB\u003c\/b\u003e” instruction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cb\u003eCello’s X Latex Prophylactics\u003c\/b\u003e carton, prominently marked “\u003cb\u003eCONTENTS ¼ DOZ.\u003c\/b\u003e”, or three prophylactics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA connected strip of four \u003cb\u003eGolden Pheasant\u003c\/b\u003e prophylactics, packed by \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eW. H. Reed \u0026amp; Co., Atlanta, Georgia\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, retaining excellent red, blue, and gold-colored printing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAll medicinal and prophylactic contents are sold strictly as historical collectibles; they are absolutely not suitable for their originally intended use.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45686797336645,"sku":"ONSV25OAC382","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV25OAC382__01.jpg?v=1788448675","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-early-postwar-venereal-disease-prophylactic-grouping-with-1944-war-department-you-don-t-think-pamphlet-army-pro-kits-dough-boy-kits-period-prophylactic","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}