grandfather’s trunk from WWII— how to incorporate?

So my husband’s grandfather fought in WWII and we have the trunk he brought with him to the war. It’s pretty amazing that we have it and I’d love to display it somehow.l but I am not that creative. My style is a blend of mcm and traditional, probably. (Furniture mostly mcm, textiles more transitional/traditional).

I’m also not sure what it’s made of and it has been through a lot. I’d euphemistically call it “distressed.” Ideas for how to make it look better without painting it or something drastic like that?

(This pic is from my basement, which is days away from being gutted and remodeled, so please don’t judge my flooring!)