December 15, 2020 Edged Weapons, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2020
This is a wonderful early USMC footlocker grouping with original contents that are identified to the same marine. This grouping is ID'D John L. Dixon, who was stationed at the Marine Barracks at the Norfolk Navy Yard in the 1930s. The first item, and perhaps the highlight of this grouping, is the trunk itself, as it is adorned with a wonderfully painted USMC EGA in between two US Navy aviation roundels which were used from August 1919 through May 1942. Although the paint has faded, the colors still have a slight vibrancy that bring attention to the trunk. The trunk is otherwise typical construction for a pre WWII footlocker made out of wood with medal handles. The lock has broken off but is contained inside the trunk. The trunk exhibits scratches, dents, and other blemishes that are typical of a footlocker of this age that experienced heavy use. The contents of the trunk include Dixon's 1923-1924 dated USMC dress blue jacket and his wool shirt. Dixon's name does not appear in the jacket, but there are names of several other marines stamped in the sleeve. The jacket is missing a couple of buttons, one in the center and the other on the wearer's left sleeve. Some of the buttons, as well as the EGAs display oxidation. The wool components of the jacket and shirt are otherwise untouched, as there are only a few small moth nips and the shirt has slight stains. There is a nice framed portrait photo of Dixon in his blues and a smaller 4 - 1/2" x 3" photo to go with it. There is also a photo album that is named to Dixon on the cover which contains 150+ photos of Dixon, family, friends, and landscapes. About half of the photos are USMC related and include Dixon and his friends, airships, planes, ships, and so on. There are also various pieces of ephemera related to Dixon's time in the Marines including a liberty pass, shooting book, regulations book, sewing kit, and a hygiene kit with contents. Also included is loose insignia and a USMC hat badge as well as two souvenir USMC pillow covers. The photo album has pages that are falling apart and the bigger pillow cover has tears. As to be expected, some pieces of the ephemera are delicate, especially the photo album which has pages that have become separated. It appears that Dixon joined the Civil Air Patrol later in life, as there are photos of him in a CAP uniform and a flight jacket patch that names him as squadron commander. These time capsule footlockers are becoming harder to find and this is a fine example of an untouched grouping. CONDITION: Overall fair-good. JD
Item Dimensions: 30" X 17" X 13"