Waterproof canvas cover with tabloid first aid super pocket kit, by Burroughs Wellcome & Co (USA) Inc, used by Finn Ronne on U.S. Antarctic expedition of 1939-1941, with letter about the kit from Burroughs Wellcome

‘Tabloid’ brand first aid kits made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co were given to explorers and influential people packed with the company’s products of the day in a shrewd attempt to promote the product.

This first aid kit belonged to Finn Ronne (1899-1980), an American-Norwegian polar explorer on an expedition to Antarctica during 1939-1941. Ronne was second in command. Handwritten on the canvas case are all the places Ronne visited during his journey, including the 1,200-mile sledge trip. On the reverse of the tin is a map of Antarctica with a red line showing his route.