Original 1943 WW2 U.S. Military Cardboard Supply Box
Authentic wartime U.S. Army/Navy corrugated box, dated April 1943, manufactured by the Downing Box Company, Milwaukee, WI.
Marked as V1S, indicating V Board Grade 1 – a stronger grade used for critical wartime logistics. The military codes show it meets Navy Dept. Spec. 63-B-11 and O.Q.M.G. 93 requirements. It has a tested bursting strength of 350 lbs/in², a size limit of 100 inches, and a gross weight rating of 120 lbs.
Still bearing its original label and military transport stamps, this crate is a rare survivor of the supply chain that helped win the war.
This rare wartime U.S. military supply box is not only fully marked with 1943 Quartermaster and Navy Dept. specifications – it also bears a French “Colis Express” express freight label, indicating it was shipped via SNCF railways during or just after the liberation of France.
Addressed to “Le Fèvre” in Courseulles-sur-Mer, a D-Day landing town, this adds a rich layer of liberation-era provenance. The French stamps (50F and 5F) and original handwritten routing enhance its collectible and historic value.
Sent from Paris (144 rue Blomet) to Madame Le Fèvre at “La Chaumière Normande” in Coutainville-Plage, Normandy. The box still bears its original handwritten destination, French SNCF “Colis Express” label, and wartime stamps.
🪖 Likely used during or shortly after the D-Day landings in the liberated French zones.
📦 A rare and personal trace of WW2 history – complete with names, locations, and wartime postal evidence.
👉 Now available at Kilroy.store – Own a real piece of the Liberation.
🔴 A unique artifact from the WWII logistics chain – with D-Day connection.
🪖 A museum-grade item for collectors and historians.