Help with ID-ing markings on steamer trunk

2strklvr

2strklvr

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Muskoka, Ontario
I recently picked up this wardrobe trunk and was hoping that someone here could decipher the markings that are painted on it. I'm pretty sure that it's military related, but otherwise I don't have the foggiest idea. Anyways, they say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here's a few.


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Interesting. I was just wondering what the C.A.C. was. Some possibilities might be Canadian Armour Corp, but I think they went by RCAC (Royal...). Canadian Army Corp.... ? Seems there's a CAC program (conduct after capture) but I doubt that's been around for a long time.
 
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In earlier times, Canada, like other Colonies, was divided up into Military Districts, so the "M D 2" has merit there. The "CD 162" might be an actual serial or officer identification number or a Unit number.

"Ship B 56" ? First Canadian Contingent of WWI ? Anyone have any ideas of how the Ships were numbered? If so, then it might be possible to get a Manifest of Units assigned to that ship?

I think this might be a good starting place.
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I'm going to go out to the garage and see if I can get anything else off this trunk for some sort of a clue. From what I've seen online wardrobe trunks like these were made and commonly used from 1900 - 1940's, but this thing is so solidly built it could've been used up until quite recently. In fact there's no reason why it couldn't still be used today.
 
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This one got me a bit curious so I did a fast research on the Canadian Armoured Corps. It did not receive the designation "Royal" until 1945, so if we consider the fact that the Tank was not really used for major battles until after 1916, (although the Canadians had Motor Machine Gun Units,) I would now revise my research starting point to WW2.

Also, there is a "flag" or similar painting on the trunk lid, with the large letter on it.
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Looking into official military records for a Major R.M. Mason might yield something. That's probably be where I'd start.

Might also be an interesting case for the tv show 'Ancestors in the Attic'.
 
The 'flag' on the lid is the baggage and equipment code for shipping.

According to Bouchery's The Canadian Soldier (p. 103) the code could be:

If they are orange/gold then it equals '11' if it is red/gold, it equals '21'

These are the last two digits of his unit's code.

(The orange/red bar is painted twice so it can be read in any orientation.)
 
Unfortunately upon closer inspection there really isn't much more info than what can be seen in the above pics. Someone did a good job of peeling any shipping labels off. Of note, the number 570 on top of the case and the myterious "wanted" script on the back were both done in the same paint with a stencil prior to the other markings which were painted freehand. "JSF" on the top appears to be stenciled at a different time and in different paint again. On the back that freehand script is painted right over what's left of an old shipping label.
 
Cool acquisition. Whats the inside look like?
Did some searching but struck out. The flag and letter seem to be unit 21 with a M painted on it. Whats the M mean guys?
 
tigrr said:
Cool acquisition. Whats the inside look like?
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The "front" half with the hinged top has a bunch of wooden hangers on a pull-out rod with a removable "shoe box" below. The "rear" half is drawers top to bottom, but one is missing. If I get the time I'll post a few more pics. I would love to figure out the history on this thing though.
 
Wow, they don't make suitcases like that anymore. You have to worry about the zippers breaking.

You are right, that trunk could be used today though I imagine it would be expensive to get onto a plane due to the weight.
 
Nabs said:
Wow, they don't make suitcases like that anymore. You have to worry about the zippers breaking.

You are right, that trunk could be used today though I imagine it would be expensive to get onto a plane due to the weight.
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Yeah, even empty it weighs a ton. I had thought that it would make a cool coffee table, but sadly I've got no place for it in my house. I really would like to find out a little of it's history based on those markings though.
 
Wish I could help though it is out of my area of expertise. The markings do resemble those found on military stamped crates for rifles and ammo so the trunk could be possibly linked to a military heritage down the line.
 
Nabs said:
Wish I could help though it is out of my area of expertise. The markings do resemble those found on military stamped crates for rifles and ammo so the trunk could be possibly linked to a military heritage down the line.
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No problem. I'm more curious than anything. Also it would be nice to sound somewhat informed about the thing whenever the wife puts her foot down and makes me list it on Kijiji or put it in a garage sale. :p
 
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