1940s WWII Era U. S. Navy Sailor Footlocker Trunk – L.E. McDonald USN– Original Stencil Military Chest Coffee Table

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A wonderfully authentic World War II era U.S. Navy sailor’s wooden footlocker trunk, still bearing its original hand-stenciled identification: “L.E. … Read more A wonderfully authentic World War II era U.S. Navy sailor’s wooden footlocker trunk, still bearing its original hand-stenciled identification: “L.E. McDonald U.S.N.” across the lid. Pieces like this accompanied enlisted sailors from training stations to ships and overseas deployments, carrying a serviceman’s entire personal life in a single portable chest.

Constructed of solid pine planks with original utility hardware and strap hinges, the trunk shows the kind of honest wear only decades of real use can create — softened edges, transport marks, and a naturally aged patina that cannot be replicated. The black naval stencil has aged beautifully into the grain of the wood and remains fully legible, giving the piece strong visual presence and historic character.

At some point in its life the trunk was thoughtfully up-cycled for modern use. The interior has been lined and the piece fitted with casters, transforming it into a highly functional blanket chest, coffee table, or entryway storage piece while preserving its military identity and charm.

These Navy footlockers were standard issue for enlisted sailors before built-in metal lockers became common after the Korean War, making this an evocative artifact of mid-20th-century American naval life. Named examples are especially desirable because they connect the object to an individual serviceman rather than remaining anonymous surplus.

Perfect for coastal interiors, lake houses, masculine offices, or Americana collections, this trunk blends authentic military history with practical everyday use. See less