Rare Korean War GI aluminum case – hand-painted with UN allies and 2nd Infantry Division

A unique original aluminum suitcase from the Korean War (1950-1953). This type of suitcase was used by American soldiers (GIs) to transport personal belongings, uniforms, and souvenirs during their deployment in Korea and during transport home by ship or plane.

What makes this example extra special is that the exterior is hand-painted with various military symbols and flags of the UN coalition. These personalized paintings, often called "GI art," were applied in Korea or Japan by soldiers themselves or by camp painters to make their suitcases recognizable and personal. Because each suitcase was uniquely painted, this is a one-of-a-kind piece.

Paintings on the suitcase:

• Emblem of the 2nd Infantry Division (Indian head symbol in a star).
This American division was one of the most important front divisions during the Korean War and fought at Chipyong-ni and Heartbreak Ridge, among others.

• United Nations emblem – reference to the international coalition of countries that supported South Korea.

• Flags of allies:
- United States
- South Korea
- The Netherlands

• The designation NDVN, which stands for Netherlands Detachment United Nations – the Dutch battalion that fought in Korea between 1950 and 1954.

This combination is historically interesting: Dutch troops were regularly assigned to American divisions, including the 2nd Infantry Division. The paintings thus refer to the cooperation between American and Dutch soldiers within the UN force.

Furthermore, there is a military transport or identification number on the suitcase (LGN 30052300), as was often used for military transport.

Suitcase weight: 2775 grams

Dimensions:

56 cm width

17 cm depth

33 cm height