US Army Model 142 insecticide duster for delousing concentration camp survivors and soldiers
Extent and Medium
overall: Height: 14.000 inches (35.56 cm) | Width: 4.375 inches (11.113 cm) | Depth: 3.250 inches (8.255 cm)
Creator(s)
- United States. Army (Distributor)
- Dobbins Manufacturing Company (Manufacturer)
Archival History
The insecticide duster was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2004 by Kenneth H. Posey, ex officio, for the United States Department of Agriculture ARS Medical and Veterinary Entomology Research Lab.
Acquisition
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of the United States Department of Agriculture ARS Medical and Veterinary Entomology Research Lab
Funding Note: The cataloging of this artifact has been supported by a grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
Scope and Content
United States Army issued handheld insecticide dusting gun, Model 142, of the type used by US troops to delouse concentration camp survivors after liberation in 1945. The standard issued material used by the US Army for louse control was 10% DDT powder. Louse powder was placed in the canister and released through a pressurized hose. Air passes through the canister and the air tube tip when the control is pushed down. The powder was blown between the underwear and the skin, down the neck of the shirt, up the sleeves and into the trousers in as many directions as possible.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Conditions Governing Reproduction
No restrictions on use
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Green painted, silver colored, metal canister with a vertical seam and circular screw top lid. Attached to the lid top is a flat, metal bar with arched ends. Attached to the lid interior is a curved, semi-oval perforated metal filter. A tubelike spray nozzle is soldered to the top of the canister and extends over the lid. At the flat end of the canister is a cylindrical handle with a flat triangular base. An air tube extends from the canister and inserts into an opening near the upper edge of the handle base. It has a pointed tip to release air. There is a rod with a metal spring and circular end button which, when pressed down, releases air into the attached metal air tube that extends through a hole on the lower edge of the handle. The canister has paint loss, scratches, corrosion and adhesive residue from previously attached labels. It is missing the pressurized hose attachment.
Subjects
- Military hygiene--United States--History--20th century.
- World War, 1939-1945--Concentration camps--Liberation.
- World War, 1939-1945--Concentration camps--Health aspects.
- Concentration camp inmates--Health and hygiene.
- United States--Armed Forces--Sanitary affairs.
Genre
- Object
- Tools and Equipment