An original WW2 British Home Front Ointment Anti-Gas No. 2 glass jar, complete with its original protective outer container and surviving printed wartime instructions.

Anti-Gas Ointment No. 2 was produced for use against the effects of blister agents such as mustard gas, forming part of Britain’s extensive wartime anti-gas precautions. The threat of chemical attack was taken extremely seriously during WW2, and items such as this were distributed as part of wider protective measures intended for use by both military and civilian organisations.

This example is particularly appealing due to its early-style glass jar format, housed within the distinctive protective outer container. The lid retains the clearly printed wording “OINTMENT ANTI-GAS No. 2”, while the surrounding instructions remain legible and explain how the ointment was to be applied to affected areas of skin.

The glass jar itself remains seated inside the container and appears to retain a quantity of its original-looking contents. The jar has not been opened by us, and the lid is currently extremely tight. While we therefore cannot guarantee that it has never been opened at some point during its lifetime, there are no obvious signs from our inspection to suggest recent disturbance. For preservation reasons, no attempt has been made to force the lid open.

Condition is good for a wartime item of this type. The outer container shows expected age-related wear, including surface marks, oxidation and areas of paint loss, but remains solid and highly presentable. Importantly, the main printed wording and application instructions are still clearly readable. The glass jar appears intact, with no obvious cracks or damage visible, and remains securely housed within the original container.

A very evocative piece of WW2 British Home Front gas-protection equipment, and a particularly attractive example thanks to the surviving glass jar, original container and readable wartime instructions.