What is a Carlisle Bandage?
The GI Carlisle Bandage—the most widely issued first‑aid dressing of World War II. Picture Italy, 1944. A GI stumbles back into cover, hand pressed to a bloody sleeve. The platoon medic drops beside him, tears open a small OD‑green packet, the Carlisle Bandage, and in seconds the wound is wrapped tight and bleeding slows. Eight decades later, the same item stirs the hearts of collectors, reenactors, and serious preppers who demand gear that’s proven itself under fire.
Born at Carlisle Barracks
The Carlisle Bandage traces its roots to the U.S. Army Medical Department Equipment Laboratory in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In the 1920s the lab’s mission was simple: design a sterile dressing light enough for every soldier to carry. By 1924, the brass‑can “First‑Aid Packet, U.S. Government, Carlisle Model” hit quartermaster shelves. It was a palm‑sized miracle—water‑resistant, pre‑sealed, and clearly printed with one simple order: “Pull tape to open.”
The Carlisle Bandage Evolution
| Era | Outer Container | Notable Changes |
| WWI (Late) | Brass can | First mass issue, screw-top lid |
| Inter-war | Tinned steel | Lower cost, crimped seams |
| Early WWII | Olive-drab tin | Embossed opening instructions |
| Mid-WWII (1943) | Tenite plastic | Added sulfa powder envelope to fight infection |
| Late WWII | Waxed fiberboard | Lighter, faster to produce |
Material shifted as brass and steel grew scarce, but the bandage itself stayed constant: a 4 inch x 7 inch gauze compress with tie tapes, vacuum‑sealed and ready to slap on shrapnel wounds, bayonet cuts, or bullet holes.
Why Every GI Carried One
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Speed: One‑hand opening meant a wounded soldier could treat himself in seconds.
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Sterility: Factory‑sealed pack kept dirt out until that critical moment.
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Built‑in pressure: Compress and tie, no separate wrap needed.
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Universal fit: Tucked perfectly into the M‑1923 or M‑1942 first‑aid pouch on every pistol or cartridge belt.
Medics insisted GIs never break the seal unless blood was flowing since supplies were precious, and lives depended on availability.
Collector's Checklist
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Condition: Look for intact outer wrap—no tears, rust, or severe dents.
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Markings: Early tins embossed with CARLISLE MODEL fetch a premium.
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Variants:
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Brass WWI screw‑top – rarest and priciest
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OD tin early‑war – classic look, mid‑range price
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Tenite plastic 1943 – collectible for sulfa envelope inclusion
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Waxed cardboard late‑war – most affordable “starter” variant
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Maker Marks: Names like American White Cross, Johnson & Johnson, or Handy Pad Supply add provenance.
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Packaging Date: A clearly stamped 1944 or 1945 bumps value for Battle of the Bulge or Pacific collectors.
Build an Authentic WWII Medic Pouch
Recreating a frontline medic rig? Stock these essentials:
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GI WWII Carlisle Bandage – https://www.armynavysales.com/gi-wwii-first-aid-carlisle-bandage.html
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Reproduction WWII Medic Pouch – https://www.armynavysales.com/gear/field-gear.html
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Sulfa Powder Packet (repro)
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WWII‑style Tourniquet
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Morphine Syrette Pouch (display only)
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Bandage Scissors
Slip the pouch onto a WWII M1936 Suspenders and you’re ready for reenactments, living‑history events, or a photo shoot.
Where can you buy an authentic WWII Carlisle Bandage?
Army Navy Sales has a limited cache of new‑old‑stock Carlisle Bandages direct from long‑sealed military crates. Don’t miss out on owning an authentic piece of World War II history.
Ready to add this compact legend to your kit or display? Order now while supplies last:
https://www.armynavysales.com/gi-wwii-first-aid-carlisle-bandage.html
