🔥 RARE Antique Old WWI 174th Aero Squadron Black Cat Squadron Trench Art Trunk

Description

This is an important and seldom seen RARE Antique Old WWI 174th Aero Squadron Black Cat Squadron Trench Art Trunk, belonging to Lieutenant S.S. Smith of the 174th Aero Squadron, popularly known as the "Black Cat" Squadron. The Black Cat Squadron was shipped out to England during WWI, with the goal of providing assistance to the British military, but never saw combat and was disbanded soon after the war. They only existed as a unit for 2 years. This makes any material from this early American Air Force Squadron very rare, with only a handful of artifacts related to them in existence, and even fewer have ever been offered for sale. This footlocker trunk was acquired in Huntington Beach, California, and likely belonged to a descendant of Lt. Smith. On one side of the trunk, there are faded words that read: "S.F. California," so it is possible that Lt. Smith returned to San Francisco after the war.  Good condition for 100+ years of age and use, oxidation to the metal pieces and surface wear throughout (please see photos.) Shipping will be expensive, because this is a big and heavy piece. Free Local Pickup is also an option. This item is located in Los Angeles County, California. Please check out my other listings for more wonderful and unique items!
About the 174th Aero Squadron:
174th Aero Squadron
19 December 1917
AEF: 6 March 1918 – April 1919
Trained as Observation Squadron in England, never entered combat
Demobilized: April 1919
History of "The Black Cat Squadron", 174th Aero Squadron, U. S. Air Division, 1917-1919
Formed at Kelly Field, Texas in late December, 1917, the 174th "Black Cat" Aero Squadron then trained in England before arriving in France on October 28, 1918. The Squadron provided the cadre for the 2nd Artillery Aerial Observation School at the Souge training range near Bordeaux, France.