- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Stories
Lot 67:
Description
Two original United States Army field-issue supplies from the World War II era. The first item is a vertical rectangular insecticide louse powder tin featuring an olive drab painted finish. It is constructed with a sifter-top lid and contains two ounces of powder. The face is printed with detailed ingredients including 10% D.D.T. and 90% Pyrophyllite. The reverse displays comprehensive instructions for the treatment of body, pubic, and head lice. The second item is a package of fuel-tablet ration heaters comprised of compressed fuel tablets encased in a wax-dipped paper sleeve. The exterior is printed with instructions for use with "C" rations and directs the soldier to break off segments and burn them in a small trench to control draft. The fuel package indicates a non-toxic composition on the side panels. Marked on the front of the tin McCormick & Co. and on the side of the fuel sleeve Research Laboratories. 2 3/4" x 2 1/4" x 1 1/2" and 3 1/2" x 1 3/4" x 3/4".
From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.
Condition report:
The insecticide tin is in excellent condition with high-quality graphics and intact olive drab paint. Minor surface oxidation is present on the exposed metal of the top lid and bottom rim. The tin appears to be sealed with original contents. The fuel tablet package is in good to fair condition, showing heavy aging and yellowing to the wax coating consistent with age. There is some staining and minor tearing to the paper layer, though the package remains structurally intact.
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