Official US Government trinkets for trading with natives

[@bloodsweatflak]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing, Bob.

[@craigallen5963]

Hey Bob, this is the 1st one of THESE i've seen...I had THOUGHT that the flyers bargaining kits had gold bars, pieces of bracelet/necklace, and coins, silver coins, and a Rolex (IIRC...?) in a nice case like a engagement ring would come in etc. Yes....? Or, is this a different era,? I would think showing up and offering pieces of trash plastic to natives would quickly get one killed. Was the USAAF really this stupid, in believing natives would thus be this stupid? Please tell me what you think-"perspiring minds wanna know," Bob! Have a great week, Craig

[@BobHudsonVideo]

I read something about serious bling in one such kit, but I think it may have been in Africa or Asia. In WWII there was still extensive isolation in the Pacific and gold would have been unknown or just useless on many islands. I think the goal was to come up with something that would tell the recipients, "See.I've got fun gifts so let's be friends." Some of the kits contents represent the cultural ignorance of that era (lipstick????) but the razor blades, safety pins and hooks were useful commodities not available in the distant corners of the Pacific. The needles and thread would have been seen as useful tools for the mending every culture needs.

[@pararaftanr2]

Hey Bob, Is that a plug of chewing tobacco, perhaps???

[@BobHudsonVideo]

I think you got it: tobacco, but actually twist or rope chewing tobacco

[@pararaftanr2]

Of course you are correct, a "twist", not a "plug". Also, that red ribbon, in addition to making nice hair ties for the ladies, could be used as a "teaser" on a fish hook.