Name: Original U.S. WWI Army Officer Engineer Named Painted Trunk Grouping
SKU: 194775

Original Items: One-of-a-kind set. Lieutenant Robert Ellis Cross from Connecticut served in the AEF during WWI first as a corporal in the 129th Engineers Company B then left the Army to accept a commission as a lieutenant in the National Army in July 1919. He was a graduate of Trinity college in Hartford Connecticut, there is even a biology test from his college included with this grouping as well as a letter from one of his professors dated April 10th, 1918 that reads in part I think you deserve an Engineerss Commission and I hope you get it. Well, get it he did, and not only was he in Europe towards the end of 1918 but he continued as an Engineer in the National Army and helped to rebuild Europe after the close of the Great War.

This incredible set features the following items:
Exquisite hand painted trunk with Engineer Castle symbol that reads Lt. R.E. Cross U.S.A 137th Engineers, Stateroom No 38 the trunk is in excellent condition with interior storage tray, functional lock and the original key!
Hand painted bed roll mattress with Engineer Castle symbol that reads Lt. R.E.Cross U.S.A 137th ENGRS
American Expeditionary Force Officer Identity Card with photo.
Dog tags
Enlistment record
Honorable discharge from the U.S. Army
Honorable discharge from the National Army
Numerous letters from friends and family all with 1918 and 1919 postmarks
Trinity college work and correspondence.
Engineering drawings
Unissued NA (national army) collar tabs
German WWI Iron Cross
Lieutenant bars
Leather wallet embossed in gold to Cross
Signal flags,
Medical bag with red cross to front
Leather leggings
Books and manuals on musketry, infantry regulations, etc
WWI Army issue Wool uniform tunic and pants. Tunic bears engineering collar insignia and lieutenant bars both offer in very good condition.
WWI Army issue cotton uniform tunic and pants. Tunic bears engineering collar insignia.
3 x pairs of Army issue wool pants
2 x Army issue shirts
Wood Army issue blanket

Truly and exceptional and rare grouping of a young college graduate officer that served as an engineer during and after the great war, with an exceptional painted trunk and bedroll. Rarely do we find such ornate and well researched material from 100 years ago.