Posted 11 years ago
Johnybinfa…
(1 item)
Here are some pics of my old army trunk I have had it for years and have been trying to research it if any one has any info about the pics let me know, the top has what looks like AH Rodgers,
Old army trunk original art work | ||
| Military and Wartime4497 of 7283 |  |  |
1st pic: bugle insignia (in its early days it was for Infantry, in this era bugler or musician), Indian Head is symbol for the 2nd Infantry Divison.
2nd pic: I can read "school" written below the insignia. It looks familiar to me (I have seen it before) but don't recall what unit
3rd pic: Insignia for the MTC or motor tranport corps. Didn't exist too long after WW1.
This LOOKS to be WW1 era (camo patter looks to be from that era as well).
Some photos of the entire trunk may be helpful in making the determination. Include hardware/ locks/ hinges/ inside with trays, etc...
scott
The Army Helmet with the Wings is the symbol used during World War One by the US Army Motor Transport Corps. The Indian in the star is a symbol of the 2nd Infantry Division, though I cannot explain why the symbol is in a circle instead of a shield, possibly artistic license. The other symbols look they are either French or English.
It is an interesting item, and I hope this helps in the identification.
Wow, sorry, was busy researching and did not refresh. anyway good answer scottvez.
Different units used various backgrounds and colors for the 2nd Division patch-- it is a way to determine exact units.
It was standardized post WW1.
scott
Thx for the info I can do some more research now, I could not load more then 4 pics, but wow WWI any advice on how to preserve it, oil the outside or spray it with clean coat or better to do nothing?
I would just wipe it off-- don't see a need for anything else.
You could add another posting with photos of the entire trunk and interior, if you want some more assistance.
scott (former 11B)
I see you’ve got some great information already. I only have some speculation to add.
The horn is possibly a copy of French insignia. It’s similar to the insignia of the Chasseurs Alpins, and may be a nod to them, as the American military did most of its fighting in France.
The running devil illustration is typical of the WWI period, and appears in several official and unofficial unit insignia. Underneath it seems to read “CH. (or CW?) DEFENCE (or OFFICERS’?) School. If I’m close to being correct, then CH or CW may stand for Chemical or Chemical Warfare. The devil would make sense for a logo, because the Chemical Warfare Service was sometimes referred to as the “poisonous gas and hell fire” section. The CW was also in charge of flame throwers.
Good point by chris on a possible French connection with the horn insignia.
scott