SOLD - WW1 Footlocker - Sgt. 1st Class Air Service Member

Description

4/13/23 - This is an original WW1 US Soldier's Footlocker Trunk. Great condition with US Air Service member Chase E. Harris' name and rank painted on the side of the exterior. The trunk has both leather handles intact, although some of the stitching is loose and missing, but the leather is in great shape. The interior has some bubbling and warping, but the upper divider and interior is all original, unaltered, and in great overall condition (especially considering its' age). Functional hinges and front clasps. Chase (Charles) Harris enlisted as a Chauffer for Squadron "L", as noted in a 1918 publication "Ellington Field". Ellington Field was a place of firsts in military aviation, including some of the first bomber formation flights. Chase Harris is listed on page 174 of the Ellington Field book. In 1919, he was promoted to Sergeant 1st Class. A framed promotion certificate is included inside the box, signed by Colonel G.C. Brant. Also included are 20 postcards of the wreckage in Verdun from WW1. Of the attached photos attached to the interior lid of the trunk, there's a flooded photo that is likely from the 1919 hurricane in Galveston, Texas. Other photos help to give context of who this Veteran was. A cool piece of WW1 US History.