Watch of last German Reichskriegsminister Werner von Blomberg
This is a A.Lange & Soehne Pocket watch which was given to Werner von Blomberg, last German War Minister and first Generalfeldmarschall of the Wehrmacht, from German Kaiser Wilhelm II on the 3rd of June 1918 whilst he got the highest war medal in the Great War for bravery - the Pour le Merite
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Sven
Hi there, I am a watch addicted from Germany. For me history and technical aspects of a watch are more important than a brand.
Karlsruhe
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Certainly the highest Prussian award (which many confuse with German Imperial awards as the Prussians were heavily represented in the German leadership), and they had been awarded for almost 200 years prior, so not just a WW1 award, either. By November of that year, no more Pour le Merite's were awarded.
Regarding war medals this is true. It was superseded by the Ritterkreuz in German Army in the second World War.
Fun fact - the civil version of the Pour le Merite still exists until today.
Famous Pour le Merite Medal bearer were during WW 1: Manfred von Richthofen, Erich Ludendorff, Max Immelmann, Oswald Boelcke, Hermann Göring, Erwin Rommel, Paul von Hindenburg and Ernst Jünger.
Regarding war medals this is true. It was superseded by the Ritterkreuz in German Army in the second World War.
Fun fact - the civil version of the Pour le Merite still exists until today.
Famous Pour le Merite Medal bearer were during WW 1: Manfred von Richthofen, Erich Ludendorff, Max Immelmann, Oswald Boelcke, Hermann Göring, Erwin Rommel, Paul von Hindenburg and Ernst Jünger.
Very true, but the civilian one doesn't look anywhere near as good as the military one did! :)
Please forgive this question which probably has a very obvious answer but why does it have S & F on the regulator rather than the usual V & N?
This was usual the case at Lange & Söhne - see another pocketwatch
This was usual the case at Lange & Söhne - see another pocketwatch
Thanks - did a quick image search on the subject but obviously didn’t look at enough examples..
Please forgive this question which probably has a very obvious answer but why does it have S & F on the regulator rather than the usual V & N?
And why V & N? If then S & L for Schnell & Langsam…
And why V & N? If then S & L for Schnell & Langsam…
Vorwärts & Nach hinten (forwards & backwards)
https://www.hausmann-co.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/movmento-lange-su-orologio-pilota.jpg
Vorwärts & Nach hinten (forwards & backwards)
https://www.hausmann-co.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/movmento-lange-su-orologio-pilota.jpg
I just checked the authority on German Pocket Watches and it seems that both versions existed.https://www.glashuetteuhren.de/kaliberuebersichten-modelle/a-lange-soehne/taschenuhr-marke-als/#QUALIZWEI
My calibre was sold in 1890 to a Berlin based Jeweler who was Hoflieferant of the Kaiser who put the calibre into a case which he individualized before it was handed over to Blomberg with the enamel work.
Beautiful watch and great provenance..
Beautiful watch and great provenance..
Many thanks and thank you for your interest and comments!
I hate to focus on minor things, but I'm fascinated by that bend at the top of the ...bow, the hoop for the chain is called a bow. I presume it is to guarantee the chain pulls the watch straight up out of the pocket.
Love the Maltese Cross decoration and the classic german 3/4 plate movement.
Love the Maltese Cross decoration and the classic german 3/4 plate movement.
The „Maltese Cross“ is actually a copy of the medal ;)
Neat looking watch with an interesting backstory
The „Maltese Cross“ is actually a copy of the medal ;)
And the Scion of the Knights Templar