Item Description
Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is the most spectacular WWI field desk we have ever offered, one that absolutely spent time in France during World War I, as indicated by the triangular AEF insignia which indicates cargo of the American Expeditionary Forces. The sides of the desk indicate use by the Supply Officer of the 127th Machine Gun Battalion of the 34th Division, with the Divisional insignia of the 34th Division painted on three sides and on the top, although the paint on the top is very worn. The paint and stencils on the sides are still very well-retained.
The 127th Machine Gun Battalion, part of the 34th Division (National Guard), was made up of the 2nd Squadron, South Dakota Cavalry and individual transfers from 1st Squadron, South Dakota Cavalry. National Guard divisions consisted of men from different national guard units of specific states, with the 34th Division comprised of men from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
The field desk measures 25 x 11½ x 27” and is painted a tannish color. The field desk was originally utilized by a Medical Supply Depot at Camp Dix, New Jersey, and by a General Supply Depot in New York City, with many of these markings still visible on the side, and MEDICAL DEPARTMENT U.S. ARMY still on the front. The desk was ultimately reissued again to the Supply Officer of the 127th Machine Gun Battalion, and the field desk went overseas with the division. The top of the desk actually had a colored divisional insignia, with a green border and red bull, but this one unfortunately wore away a bit too much. The insignia on the sides are near perfect, however.
The interior of the desk is in good shape, with what could be period modifications to allow for more specific storage, with some small document sized spaces that appear newer than the rest.
The trunk has a maker’s tag at the top for Rogers & Madison Trunk Corp. of Petersburg, Virginia. This is a really phenomenal desk with some heavy wear from actual use, ready for further research and display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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