Finally was able to open a ration I’ve been wanting to for a long time, a 1945 Coast Guard lifeboat and life raft ration. I have another one of these in much better shape that will remain sealed, but I was able to grab this one for a steal due to its condition. Coast Guard rations hold a unique value to me as I’ve been in almost 8 years.
I opened it from the bottom so it could still be used for display, and I was immediately greeted by tropical bar dust. Unfortunately, the Hershey’s tropical bars (Which is what I was most excited for) we’re all completely pulverized by time and poor storage conditions, only the torn wrappers remain. I was able to clean up most of everything else, and surprisingly one of the pemmican cans is In absolutely perfect shape with no leaks or bulges, but the other was a goner and burst. Biscuits survived intact, but they smell like the chocolate (everything does).
Although disappointed about the tropical bars, I’m happy I was able to salvage what I could, some great pieces for display here!
1945 CG Lifeboat and Liferaft Ration
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- Posts: 107
- Joined: Mon May 27, 2019 6:13 pm
- Location: Tampa, FL
Re: 1945 CG Lifeboat and Liferaft Ration
Didn't clean up too bad all things considered. At least you got to open one and you have the other one saved as you said. I have the same plan on a couple items as well. Thanks for taking the time to share it.
Re: 1945 CG Lifeboat and Liferaft Ration
i know that disappointment well
Re: 1945 CG Lifeboat and Liferaft Ration
^^ I guess one could "keep the faith" by not opening.