Tropical Military Soldiers Chest, 1940s

Details

Description

A unique and decorative military travel trunk used in the former Dutch East Indies in the late 1940s. The trunk … Read more A unique and decorative military travel trunk used in the former Dutch East Indies in the late 1940s. The trunk bears an inscription listing the address, the sender, and the name of the ship on which it traveled (SS Volendam). The trunk belonged to a soldier who served on the staff of the 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, and traveled with him from the Dutch East Indies back to The Hague in 1949. The soldier served in West Java from 1946 until his departure during the Police Actions. The soldier’s military service number is also listed on the box, from which his date of birth can be deduced (April 3, 1925). All in all, a significant piece of history. What is also striking is that this chest was made from another chest; on the inside, the details of yet another soldier (G. van Dijken from Zetten) who served in the same unit are listed. The chest is made of tropical hardwood and can be opened by flipping up two planks. Slight signs of wear are visible. 54 cm high, 102 cm wide, 51 cm deep. See less