Designed for and issued to American pilots possibly as early as World War II, for use in the event they were downed behind enemy lines, or otherwise found themselves in hostile territory. On average the kits contained approximately .90 Troy ounces of fine gold in the form of coins and rings, and were issued sealed. Due to the value of the individual kits, each kit was serial numbered and had to be signed out and signed back in with all contents accounted for if the kit was opened in the course of duty. This kit is the Atlantic variation, which would traditionally contain a British or South African Pound gold Sovereign, two British and/or South African gold half Sovereigns, a 10 Franc coin, a 20 Franc coin, and three golden rings. The case is hard rubber and marked "IF FOUND RETURN TO/COMNAVAIRLANT (CNAL 34)/NORFOLK, VIRGINIA" on both sides and the individual serial number "920" marked on one side; the use of the "COMNAVAIRLANT" abbreviation for Commander, Air Force Atlantic, started in the 1950s. This kit has been opened, with the three rings, five coins, and metal serial number plate present and firmly embedded in the rubber. Information supplied by the consignor indicates that this kit was released from government inventory as part of a Defense Logistics Agency property disposal auction in 1980 in Columbus, Ohio. Provenance: The Thomas Whiteman Collection

Very good with minor handling marks on the exterior of the case. The contents show glue residue but otherwise appear all in good order.