Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a sealed U.S. Navy Atlantic escape and evasion “Barter Kit” serial number 807, designed for American pilots downed behind enemy lines. These kits contained approximately .90 troy ounces of fine gold in coins and rings for bartering with civilians or resistance forces during escape attempts.
The Atlantic variation traditionally contained a British or South African gold Sovereign, two gold half Sovereigns, a 10 Franc coin, a 20 Franc coin, and three gold rings. The hard rubber case is marked “IF FOUND RETURN TO/COMNAVAIRLANT (CNAL 34)/NORFOLK, VIRGINIA” on both sides with serial number “807” on one side.
The use of “COMNAVAIRLANT” abbreviation for Commander, Air Force Atlantic started in the 1950s, suggesting this kit dates from that era forward through the Cold War period. These kits were issued to naval aviators flying over hostile or unfriendly territory where they might need to evade capture.
Due to the gold value, each kit was serial numbered and required sign-out and sign-in procedures with all contents accounted for if opened in the course of duty. This created accountability for the valuable contents while ensuring pilots had resources for escape and evasion if needed.
The concept was simple – gold is universally valued and doesn’t require language to negotiate with. A downed pilot could trade gold coins or rings for civilian clothes, food, shelter, transportation, or assistance reaching friendly forces. The mix of different countries’ coins increased flexibility depending on where the pilot came down.
This kit remains sealed, meaning it was never issued for actual use or was signed back in unopened after its assigned pilot’s service ended. Finding sealed examples is uncommon since many were either used, lost, or opened by collectors.
Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!
“Rare Sealed U.S. Navy Atlantic Escape and Evasion ‘Barter Kit’.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4096/1318/rare-sealed-us-navy-atlantic-escape-and-evasion-barter-kit. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
Managing Editor | AllOutdoor
Writer | TheFirearmBlog Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.
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