Two-piece container made of Gutta Percha. Issued to sailors aboard U.S. Navy ships during the Civil War. The soap dish is approximately 3.25" in diameter x 1.5" high. Gutta Percha was the first "plastic" which could be molded into most any form and was heat/flame resistant.

Lid reads, "Don't Give Up The Ship" and "U.S.N." over an anchor on top. The container was for shaving soap and had a mirror inside the lid. The mirror glass is present, but the reflective backing is now dark and cloudy. Surrounding the mirror on the inside is, "Manufactured by the Novelty Rubber Co., New Brunswick, New Jersey / Under Goodyear's patent May 6, 1851." The lid has a small wire loop protruding to enable it to be hung up.

The bottom half acts as the actual soap dish. Around the outside edge on the bottom is a second iteration of "Manufactured by the Novelty Rubber Co., New Brunswick, New Jersey, Under Goodyear's patent May 6, 1851."

Container is clean on the inside and exhibits a fine brown patina overall. Remnants of an old beaded necklace are found inside.  [jet] [ph:L]

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