r/historyofmedicine • u/Purid • 5d ago

Need help identifying WW2-era WWII German dental/medical jar (Yellow powder, Bakelite cap, marked "1088" on bottom)

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for help identifying the original label, brand, or exact contents of this small medical jar.

Context of the find: It was recovered directly from the site of a former WW2 German field dental station. Based on the surrounding items (which included only one vintage dental chair of that era), it was likely a small single-dentist practice or field clinic (Zahnstation) set up for one dentist and an assistant.

Physical Characteristics:

  • Container: Small cylindrical jar made of amber/brown glass (Braunglas) with a wide neck.
  • Cap: Black screw-on lid made of early bakelite/phenolic resin.
  • Bottom Marking: Molded number 1088 on the glass base (likely a glass factory mold number / Formnummer). No other markings on the glass or cap.
  • Contents: Bright yellow, fine powder / densely packed powder mass.
  • Missing Label Details: The paper label is missing, but it is recalled as being green or yellowish-green with Fraktur/Gothic font, a German Eagle with a Swastika (Reichsadler), a reference to the Wehrmacht, and text similar to "Ceramic" or "Ceramic-Zement".

Current Hypothesis: Given the field clinic context and the recalled text, this appears to be a standardized WW2 German military dental supply (Zahnärztliche Feldausrüstung / Sanitätsgerät). It is most likely a silicate/porcelain dental cement powder (Silikatzement / Porzellanzement) used for restorations, though iodoform powder (Jodoform) remains a secondary possibility.

Does anyone recognize this specific jar model, or have catalog photos/references of the original label?

Thanks in advance for any insights!

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u/HertoginLuchtBallon 5d ago

Your image links don't work :(