Antique 1928 Footlocker Trunk Named WWII Army Camp Beale Baylor Football Texas

Antique named footlocker belonging to Rex J. “Kitty” Kathcart of Waco, Texas, Baylor football player and later U.S. Army lieutenant during WWII. Dimensions: 31”L x 17”W x 13”H Estimated weight: 30lb-40lb I acquired this directly from Kathcart’s estate, and the surviving markings suggest it remained with him across multiple periods of his life rather than changing hands as a generic trunk. An original American Railway Express label dated August 18, 1928 shows the trunk being shipped from Englewood, Illinois to Rex Kathcart in Waco, Texas. The trunk was later marked during his military service with “LT. R. J. KATHCART” and “ASF Personnel Replacement Depot Camp Beale, California” The 1928 railway label documents the trunk in use well before WWII, while the later Camp Beale markings connect it to another chapter of Kathcart’s life. Kathcart played halfback for the Baylor Bears, with Baylor’s official football records listing him for the 1928, 1929 and 1930 seasons. Kathcart served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1944 during the WWII period. This piece strong crossover interest for collectors of named militaria, Baylor and Texas football history, Texas history, and early American travel. Original unrestored condition with age-related wear. The original markings and labels have been left untouched. Interior included a removable wooden tray. A rare, highly personal piece with unusually strong identifiable provenance and a history spanning Kathcart’s pre-war and military years.