Ended Civil War era Shaving Kit - United States Navy - Goodyear Rubber Co. circa 1851

The Shaving Kit is approximately 3" across and 1.5" high. It is Maker Marked: The Novelty Rubber Co, New Brunswick, New Jersey, Under Goodyear Patent Mar 6 1851. Very Rare and can be found on Page 263, Volume I of the authoritive Civil War Collector's Encyclopedia. Gutta Percha was the first "plastic" which could be molded into most any shape or form and was heat/flame resistant. It is unclear if these soap kits were made prior to the Civil War for all US Navy sailors or if manufacture began during the Civil War. Gutta Percha was also used in dental fillings, electrical components, and is still used today for certain requirements. Mirror is cracked but intact.

RARE!!! Civil War US Navy Soap Box or Shaving Kit. Inscribed, "Don't Give Up The Ship"
As Described and Depicted in the "Civil War Collector's Encyclopedia" by Francis Lord. Issued to and Used by Sailors Aboard US Navy Federal Ships During The Civil War. As typical, the mirror on the inside top cover lid of the shaving soap box has been lost. The metal eye ring used to hang the top inside cover for easy viewing is still intact. Gutta Percha is a hard plastic latex-like substance derived from a SE Asian tree of the same name. First patented by Goodyear in 1851 and licensed to 100's of other companies for use in electrical insulation, containers such as cups and bowls to hold liquid, and is still used today in dentistry.

Excellent Condition. Has the original retaining ring which held in a mirror. Has inscribed "Don't Give Up The Ship" around a mid 19th century Fouled Anchor, twisted rope, and the initials USN. Also inscribed is the manufacturer: The Novelty Rubber Co, New Brunswick, New Jersey, Under Goodyear Patent Mar 6 1851.

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