WW Keen foot locker

[Specster]

I have a chance to obtain a footloacker owned by WW Keen, a Union MD during the ACW and beyond. Was this MD well known? Locker comes with provenance.

 

[Specster]

Also.... another Pic... it is a foot locker being offered.

 

[Frederick14Va]

Do you happen to have any photos of the "Camp Chest" in question? Civil War vintage or post war use?

William Williams Keen Jr. MD... (1837-1932) Yes he was rather well known in the medical community. If Memory serves correctly he served briefly in the 5th Mass Inf.. Completed his studies at Jefferson Medical Collage - Phila in 1862... Passed the medical exam boards as entry as Medical Officer in the US regular army... spent most of his time assigned in northern hospitals.. Left about 1864 to go study in Europe... came back around 1866.. Became well known in Pathology and Neurology fields post war, and did a lot of research and studies. Published a number of medical books on the topic. Credited with first to successfully perform a brain tumor removal surgery. WW-I era served but mostly in role as mascot of sorts to promote enlistments and war bonds etc....

 

[AndyHall]

Dr. Keen had lots of case reports published in the Medical/Surgical history of the war.
____________________

Medical/Surgical History--Part I, Volume I
VII. Extract from a Report of his Medical Services.
By Assistant Surgeon W. W. KEEN, jr., Fifth Massachusetts Volunteers.

The 5th Massachusetts Infantry left Alexandria, on July 16th, 1861, in the brigade of Colonel A. E. Burnside. Our supply of medical stores was amply sufficient; but we had no means of transporting them, and they had to be left in the teams of the quartermaster to be forwarded from Alexandria. The first hospital I was at during the battle, was at a spring, about half a mile beyond Sedley Church, near which our brigade crossed Bull Run. Here we had instruments and dressings, water, and a canteen of brandy. Afterwards, I went, by order, to the church. Our drum corps was with the ambulances in the field, and, so far as I know, there was no other detail made to attend to the fatigue duties at this hospital, such as removing wounded, preparing food, bringing water, etc. I left this hospital between four and five o'clock in the afternoon, on the approach of the Confederates, with Colonel Lawrence, who was wounded. The wounded were exposed that night to rain; but it was not uncomfortably cold. The operations I saw were all amputations or extractions of balls, but the main thing done was to apply primary water dressings. There were many cases where simple cerate was unwisely used. It is proper to state, in extenuation of the faults observed, that they were mostly, in my opinion, due to the utter lack of experience on the part of medical officers, and I would by no means exclude myself, of both the mode of obtaining supplies and the proper persons to apply to. In time of peace and order it is difficult, at first, to understand the forms of the regulations; but in the excitement of such times as July, 1861, and in the urgency of battle, with no books at command among officers, to most of whom army regulations were a myth, many defects may be excused. Comparing the present admirable regulations, what progress is exhibited and what credit reflected on the wise, humane, and energetic men who have brought such order and system out of chaos and confusion !

 

[AndyHall]

Buy it.

 

[Specster]

Also.... another Pic... it is a foot locker being offered.View attachment 52154

I did not take a pic but I am going back now. It will be all over and done within 2 hrs. I saw the locker, from what I recall it was a hard wood that had some type of finish. It was, in my estimation 2.5' long, 1.75' tall and maybe 1.75' deep. It was not constructed of veener but rather planks - maybe 4 inches wide each. That is a real rough estimate. It was not pristine - a bit beat up.

As I said, this will be sold within the next 2 hrs so, and I hope this is not an imposition, if any cares to contribute insight, it would be best if done ASAP.

You guys on this tread are the best. I have great appreciation for all your insight, past and present.

Your knowledge, as a group, is outstanding.

Best regards,

Spec

 

[lelliott19]

Please post a picture when you are in possession of the locker. Cant wait to see it!!!

 

[Specster]

I hope u r right Andy. It looks like some kind of canvas cover

 

[Specster]

If u r wrong I'll b sleeping in n my car for a while. ..

 

[Specster]

Another pic

 

[Specster]

Close up top

 

[AndyHall]

I very much doubt it's CW period. (Sorry if I was not clear about that.) But it belonged to a CW veteran who became famous in his own right, and so is very collectable.

 

[ole]

You can always keep it with you in your car.

 

[Specster]

I hope u r right Andy. It looks like some kind of canvas cover

Over wood

 

[Specster]

I prevailed - it was an auction. I did Ok as far as price. I know this is a CW forum but I also picked up a WW1, I dont know if you would call it a division or battle flag or something else. The flag cost me more than the foot locker.

If you guys want and think it is appropriate I will post a pic of the flag.

 

[Frederick14Va]

Unfortunately its not CW era... but as others have stated still an interesting item.

Flag... vexillology guru here... so please post pic when able...

 

[Northern Light]

Unfortunately its not CW era... but as others have stated still an interesting item.

Flag... vexillology guru here... so please post pic when able...

My word for the day, although, I am not sure how I will incorporate that into three sentences to day!

 

[Specster]

 

[Specster]

As discussed. ...

 

[Specster]

My word for the day, although, I am not sure how I will incorporate that into three sentences to day!

Never mind if you know what the flag is, just knowning the term Vixillology, I think you should be awarded 50 points.