RAF tropical Issue Snake Bite Lancet

These ingenious tools were developed by the Air Ministry to be carried by aircrew serving in the Far East theatre as part of the tropical survival kit 27P/19 in conjunction with the Beadon lightweight flying suit. The container is made from chrome plated brass and is embossed with the makers name Gardner Co. London as well as a crown and an A.M (Air Ministry) property mark. One end unscrews to reveal a small chromed lancet blade used to cut out the venom from a snake bite. The other end unscrews to reveal a cavity that would have originally contained a potassium permanganate capsule for use on the bite ; this is now absent. The chrome finish shows minor surface wear but generally an excellent original example. Measures 1 9/10" (6 cm)