Suitcase mystery: Search is on for the owners of a rummage relic

GERMANTOWN (WITI) -- A Germantown man is trying to crack the case. He's trying to find the rightful owner of a mysterious suitcase which is full of historical pieces.

Bob Eastman came across the old, unremarkable suitcase about a week ago. Little did he know that it would soon set him out to solve a mystery.

"Am I a hoarder? No. I just like old things," said Eastman.

Eastman says he sometimes stops at rummage sales -- and he thinks that's where he may have gotten the case about 30 years ago. He doesn't remember having ever taken a peek inside. That changed when he was cleaning out his basement last week.

"I came across this little suitcase and I was just going to toss it. But after opening it, I found that there were a few items inside that might be of interest to the family that owns the things inside," said Eastman.

What kinds of items? The kind that might interest historical collectors. Memorabilia from the 1939 National Association of Letter Carriers' Golden Jubilee Convention was inside along with something that looks a bit like a book report. Perhaps the most interesting item is a perfectly preserved U.S. Navy uniform with the name Otto Harthun barely visible on the tag.

"I guess it struck a nerve because of the military," said Eastman. "Who knows, it could have been a loved one lost in the service?"

That's what prompted Eastman to contact FOX6 News. He's hoping someone out there can help him return the items to the original owner's family.

"I have a few things from my grandfather and it's just something that a family always treasures," said Eastman.

If you think you know the owners of the suitcase or its contents, email Rachelle Baillon.