Tin of Dockers Anti-Shatter Solution

Half pint tin with lid and paper label. Label states on the front: 'Dockers Anti-Shatter Solution. Checks splintering and stops shattered glass flying during air raids'.

The instructions on the reverse read: 'Does not lose adhesion on the glass in all aspects of sun or shade and remains effective for a very long time after completed application. DIRECTIONS - To prepare solution for application, remove lid and stand tin in hot water until solution is thin enough to brush on. Keep water hot whilst using. For windows and other glass surfaces apply one full flowing coat of Anti-Shatter solution on the inside. While still wet cover with butter muslim or cotton netting, brushing down well for complete adhesion. Strips of calico or cotton tape are also effective placed diagonally, horizontally or lattice-wise across the glass. Allow at least two hours to dry, then apply a coat of Dockers Reinforcing varnish. When finished applying Solution wash brush out immeditaely in soap and water. If flowed on directly, covering capacity of this tin should not exceed 20 square feet'.

Specific history unknown. This is one of a number of products made or modified for use during the Second World War intended to protect people from flying or shattering glass. Injury or death from flying or falling glass and glass splinters was a major form of injury during the Blitz in the United Kingdom, often causing blindness or incapacity. This experience spurred manufacturers to create a variety of products to counter the problem and when Australia faced the threat of Japanese bombing, they were made available here. Some products employed sheets of cellulose (see REL32617) intended to be adhered to windows, whereas the Dockers Anti-Shatter Solution was to be used as a coating and an adhesive in conjunction with cotton strips laid across the window. The intent remained the same - to render shards of broken glass innocuous or to keep them stuck together when broken.