Antique French 1st World War Lt. Colonel Jouinot luggage trunks very rare

In fabulously time worn paint is this pair of 19th century travelling trunks belonging to Lt Colonel Jouinot of the French Army. The paint is wonderful, time worn and with the original writing on each case. With the original red lining these trunks were meant for travelling. In detail we have the following. Two locks and hasps with both locks in the open position. Those present have been added purely for decorative effect and do not operate the locks. 4 metal hoops which would have been used to attach the trunk to the back of a wooden waggon via leather straps. On the lid of the trunk there is amazingly the remains of a paper label on which the words,’Colonel Jouinot’ can be discerned. The original nails holding this paper to the lid are still present. Inside the trunk there are the remains of two straps and buckles which would have been used to keep folded clothing (tunics etc) in place. The remains of one of the fastening straps used to keep the lid in place is still there. The discernible painted lettering on the front of the trunk is as follows: DINF, L Colonel Jouinot (please see below for the interpretation). Given that the name of the owner of the trunks was Jouinot it is possible to detect the lettering of this name on the top of the trunk (but it would not be possible to do this without this knowledge). One central lock and hasp. The hasp doesn’t fit into the lock because the lock is in the closed position. The one that is present is purely for decorative effect. External buckles which would have been used for leather straps to hold the trunk lid in place. There is no evidence of any internal straps and buckles. The discernible lettering is as follows: 46 Lt Colonel Jouinot. The complete lettering on both trunks is likely to have been: 4. 6 10e D1 Inf. The meaning of this lettering is as follows. The 46 Infantry regiment was part of the French Army’s 10th Infantry Division based in Paris. It saw action during the First World War, particularly during the Argonne offensive, where in October 1914 – along with the rest of the division – it saw heavy fighting, and suffered heavy casualties. It took part in the battle of Vauquois in February 1915, where the regimental band – playing the Marseilles for the 46th regiment which had combined with the 76th and 89th regiments as they attacked, were among the first to be killed. I believe the trunks were the possession of Francois Leon Prosper Jouinot who, in 1906 was permitted to add his mother’s name of Gambetta so he became known as Jouinot-Gambetta. He was born on July 6th 1870. He became a Colonel in 1913. The rank immediately before this was Lieutenant-Colonel so we can date these trunks to before 1913. In the years before 1913 Francois Jouinot served in Africa. These trunks were therefore probably present in both Africa and on the western front. Please be aware that these trunks are very time worn. I have dusted them off but apart from that they are in’as found’ condition. I cannot see what else could be done to restore them without destroying the history they clearly have. The photographs are a good representation of their condition. The dimensions are as follows. Both trunks have the same dimensions. These trunks can be collected, but I also have a couple of very reliable and experienced couriers of antique items who can be called upon to transport these to their new home. Please message me if you would like me to obtain a quote. Transportation is just to within mainland UK. Please see my other predominantly 18th and 19th century items.