Rare Regulation "Gum Blanket" in Extraordinary Condition. ...

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Rare Regulation "Gum Blanket" in Extraordinary Condition. The essential part of any Union soldier's outfit was his India rubber blanket. Used as a tent, ground cover or any number of other things, this highly serviceable item was greatly prized and an omnipresent part of soldier life. Because of its usefulness, after the war surplus pieces continued to be issued to the military and sold to the civilian market until government stocks were used up. Existing specimens are very rare today, particularly in this superb condition. Made of rubberized cotton, this example measures 46" x 68" and retains all its reinforced brass grommets. The material is amazingly pliable and shows no splits or missing pieces. The interior is unmarked, with some age spotting and discoloration, but overall this rarity is in outstanding, near perfect condition. An indispensable part of a Northern soldier's gear that seldom becomes available on the market today.