Rare Unopened WW2 Escape & Evasion Gold Kit!

Published on November 29, 2022
Duration: 11:10

This video details a rare, unopened World War II Escape and Evasion kit, also known as a barter kit, intended for downed naval aviators. The kit contains European gold coins and wedding rings, designed to be used for bartering with civilians for aid. The presenter, with decades of WWII military history experience, highlights the kit's construction, its variations for different theaters, and its historical context, noting that unopened examples are exceptionally rare and highly collectible.

Quick Summary

The WWII Escape and Evasion kit, or barter kit, was a crucial survival tool for downed naval aviators, containing gold coins and wedding rings for bartering. These hard-to-open kits were issued by serial number, with no documented use in the field. Unopened examples are exceedingly rare, with only about 20 known to exist, making them highly valuable historical collectibles.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Kit
  2. 00:46What is an Escape and Evasion Kit?
  3. 01:01Contents: Gold Coins and Wedding Rings
  4. 01:41Asian vs. European Theater Kits
  5. 02:16Kit Markings and Origin
  6. 02:51Value and Construction
  7. 03:46Historical Context and Issuance
  8. 04:14Government Sale and Coin Collectors
  9. 04:59Rarity of Sealed Kits
  10. 05:20Determining Value and Authenticity
  11. 05:38Auction Results and Historical Significance
  12. 06:11X-ray Verification of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of a WWII Escape and Evasion kit?

WWII Escape and Evasion kits, also known as barter kits, were designed to provide downed pilots, particularly naval aviators, with valuable items like gold coins and jewelry. These items could be bartered with civilians for assistance, food, or shelter when behind enemy lines.

What made the European variation of the WWII Escape and Evasion kit unique?

The European variation of the WWII Escape and Evasion kit contained European gold coins and 24-karat gold wedding rings. Its casing was made of hard rubber or plastic, designed to be extremely durable and difficult to open, ensuring the contents remained secure until needed.

How rare are unopened WWII Escape and Evasion kits today?

Unopened WWII Escape and Evasion kits are exceptionally rare. Out of an estimated 3,500 produced, only about 20 are believed to still exist in their original sealed condition, making them highly sought-after by collectors.

Were these WWII Escape and Evasion kits ever used by paratroopers?

While some sources suggest they were intended for paratroopers, evidence strongly indicates these kits were primarily issued to U.S. Navy aviators. There are no documented instances of these kits being used by paratroopers, and their serial number tracking system suggests a controlled issuance primarily for pilots.

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