Washable rubber condoms are no longer sold, but some pharmacists can remember stocking them as recently as the 1960s. Using a washable condom was a matter of caution (they were thicker than ordinary condoms) and thriftiness (they could be re-used). This 'Reliance De-Luxe Sheath' probably dates from the 1930s. It comes in its own box and is coated with talcum powder to protect the rubber. The accompanying instruction sheet explains how to wash and dry it after use and adds, 'Should it become hard during cold weather it need only be gently warmed before a fire or by immersion in warm water, when it will again be as serviceable as ever'.

The box is labelled "Reliance De-Luxe Sheath" but the instruction sheet is headed "Seamless Paragon Protective" and states that the "appliance" is "made by British Labour only".

Curator and Mr Hill estimate that the product was manufactured in the 1930s.

The two condoms in this acquisition were purchased in England in 1996 by Mr Brian Hill, an apothecary collector and dealer, and subsequently sold to the Powerhouse Museum for possible use in the 'Taking precautions' exhibition. Both condoms (the washable condom, and the latex condom in a brown envelope) were in the "Reliance" box when Mr Hill purchased them from another dealer. The relationship between the two condoms is not known. Possibly they were both kept for safekeeping in the same box by the original owner/user.

Condom, washable, in box, with directions, 'Reliance De-Luxe Sheath', rubber/paper, made in England, 1930-1940

Rubber condom of the type that could be washed and re-used, liberally coated with talcum powder and packaged in a blue cardboard box together with a leaflet entitled "Seamless Paragon protective" that includes "Directions for use".

Made: England; 1930 - 1940


Owned: England

Sticker on box lid, red, printed in black, 'RELIANCE DE-LUXE SHEATH / Seamless. Guaranteed Perfect in quality and make / Powder and directions enclosed.'

97/73/1

1930 - 1940

70 mm

25 mm