No idea what this is/was?

**navyman** · 08-06-2009, 02:03 AM

Hello all,
I do hope I'm not wasting your time with this one, but I'm bewildered, never seen a similar contraption before. Suggestions from friends seem to think it's something medical, perhaps for sterilizing needles/scalpel blades, or even part of a shaving kit? The only thing which is obvious is that it's American. I found it recently at the bottom of a box of assorted militaria, from a boot sale, which I had been meaning to sort out for a long time, I'm sure that most collectors have similar boxes labeled, 'I'll look at that tomorrow'!
It's a plated case which opens out to reveal a semi-cylindrical dish (?) at the top, and a removable container under with a screw cap and retaining beaded chain.
The only marks are on the base and read, all in capitals;
USA
MD
PIONEER
NEW YORK .NY
I will try to attach some pics, as the thing is difficult to describe.
Perhaps some of our friends across the pond can help here, if only to have me committed!
Best regards,
navyman.

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 08-06-2009 02:03 AM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**G.B.** · 08-06-2009, 02:40 AM

It is how they sterilized needle tips back then in the field!

Tips in top part,,,light up burner, boil, then done and ready to go..

**navyman** · 08-06-2009, 02:58 AM

Thanks GB,
I didn't know if it was miliaria or had just been thrown in the box with other bits! Can you give me any idea of dates, I'm guessing Vietnam? Would be nice if it were earlier. I'm an ex submariner, we didn't have space for a medic, Coxswain was lumbered with the job, so not many on sick parade!
Thanks again,
navyman.

**G.B.** · 08-06-2009, 06:22 AM

By VN they had to be useing disposables...

I've heard one time it was WW1,,another collector told me WW2..

I had the same one years ago. It should be a heavy silver plate.. It wasn't my thing and back then I sold so off it went.. Think I got around $30 / $40. for it in the mid 1980s..
Sorry, wish I had some more info for you,,hopefully another member can come in and fill in the blanks....,G.