US Cavalry Officer's Trunk with Custer Connection

A trunk belonging to Lt. Col. Edward Mathey of the U.S. 7th Cavalry is to be auctioned today at the Burley Auction Gallery in New Braunfels Texas. The officer was part of Custer’s Little Big Horn troops although he was detached from the main battle, which is why he survived. The handmade wooden trunk that stored his possessions went with the cavalryman everywhere he was posted during his long career. It still bears his name and those of the numerous forts where he was posted in nearly 30 years of service. "It could go for anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000," said a spokesman. "It really depends on what it might be worth to someone. I think it's a national treasure."