I have a military box which i would like to learn more about. I am not even positive that it is WWII. Can anyone desciper the insignia and provide some insight? Thanks.
Where did you get it, or, perhaps, who is selling it. Some provenance would be helpful. Later . . . Never mind, I see where you provided information elsewhere MilitaryHistoryOnline.com - Forums The symbology at the top of the box is pretty clear and typical. The surmounting numeral 1 above crossed rifles, and the letter G should be read 1st Regiment, Infantry, G Company. Since you are apparently researching at Yosemite, it is useful to know that the 1st US Infantry was primarily stationed at San Francisco in the 1890’s, your period of interest, and from whence various detachments performed duty with various National Guard training camps, protection of federal property, and responded to civil unrest and disorders throughout California during that period. See The Role of Federal Military Forces in Domestic Disorders, 1877-1945 | U.S. Army Center of Military History and First Regiment of Infantry | The Army of the US Historical Sketches of Staff and Line with Portraits of Generals-in-Chief | U.S. Army Center of Military History and 1st Infantry Regiment (United States) - Wikipedia As to the number ‘42’, no idea, but it not a unit designator as it appears. The helpful guess from your compadre, as you have written elsewhere, as to it denoting the 42nd US Infantry with the upper symbology denoting 1st Battalion, G Company, has some problems and appears to be somewhat grasping at straws. The 42nd US Infantry was constituted in May 1917 which appears to be after your period of interest. See 42nd Infantry Regiment (United States) - Wikipedia Further, one would not find a G Company in any 1st Battalion of any US Infantry regiment of your period . . . 3rd Battalion, probably, but not in the 1st. Battalions are generally made up of three companies; 1st Battalion is where one finds A, B, and C companies. Historically, sometimes one finds a fourth company, this would be D Company, but never G Company as a permanent attachment.
12 days later, more - If this were some storage box for an officer, as you mentioned here MilitaryHistoryOnline.com - Forums it would probably have his name on it (which would make things much easier), so just the number "42" does not indicate an officer. I'd suggest that the number "42" is a content count of some kind . . . 42 items in the box. Oh, and you're welcome.
