Hello Marshall L,

Re: Navies, I never saw such a wooden trunk before. But traditionally sailors or marines never use such an item on board. Due to the lake of place in their « sleeping rooms », they use what we call a « sea bags », a kind of duffle bag.

But maybe could it be that this kind of suitcase was used by the captain for gathering his official (secret) documents and logbooks, I don’t know.

Your second picture shows a name, probably from the owner of the case.
But, as far I can see, this small blue plate doesn’t seem to be original, it is made in (modern) plastic --2 colors : blue and white inside-- and the name is mechanically engraved. In 1940-45, this kind of item and way of working didn’t existed.

Last remark : If you said that the owner could have been Kptlt. Hermann Steinert (and not : Steiert) and that he sunk with his ship (U-128) on the 17 May 1943, how could one explain that your uncle get in possession of this trunk ?

Anyway this is my money. Maybe some other specialist from this forum will give more comment about your « little WWII mystery ».

Best regards,
Freddy.