{"product_id":"prussia-pocket-watch-commemerating-kaiser-wilhelm-ii-award-to-lieutentant-max-nather","title":"Prussia Pocket Watch - Commemerating Kaiser Wilhelm II Award to Lieutentant Max Nather","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Imperial German presentation pocket watch features a polychrome enamel portrait of Kaiser Wilhelm II, King of Prussia and German Emperor from 1888 to 1918. The portrait reproduces a familiar formal likeness of Wilhelm II in military uniform, with his gray coat, red collar and array of Imperial decorations. It is mounted within the exterior cover of a full-hunter case having a distinctive scalloped outline.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpening the portrait cover reveals a white enamel dial marked “System Glashütte.” This translates directly as “Glashütte System,” a period trade designation referring to a movement or watch made in the Glashütte style. In the absence of an exposed, signed movement, the wording should not be interpreted as identifying a specific Glashütte manufacturer. The dial is completed with black Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, ornate pierced gilt hands and a recessed subsidiary-seconds register at six o’clock.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe reverse cover is decorated with concentric engine turning centered by a small circular device. Beneath it is a plain polished cuvette engraved “Ehren-Geschenk,” meaning “Honorary Gift” or “Presentation Gift.” The engraved wording confirms the watch’s presentation character, although it does not identify the recipient by name. The crown, pendant and shaped bow complement the scalloped case. A gold-colored watch chain fitted with spring-ring attachments accompanies the watch; its metal content and originality to the watch have not been independently established.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccompanying inventory history attributes this watch to Leutnant Max Näther, whose surname is correctly spelled with an umlaut. Näther was born in Silesia in 1899 and entered German military service during the First World War while still in his teens. He was commissioned Leutnant der Reserve (second lieutenant of the reserve) in 1916 and later transferred to the German air service. Assigned to Jagdstaffel 62, he became the squadron’s Staffelführer (squadron leader) during 1918 and was credited with twenty-six aerial victories. His decorations included both classes of the Iron Cross and the Knight’s Cross with Swords of the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern. He was nominated for the Pour le Mérite near the end of the war, but the armistice prevented the award from being approved. Näther was killed in action on January 8, 1919, at nineteen years of age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Max Näther association is supplied through the watch’s accompanying inventory history rather than through a named inscription on the case. No presentation document or independently verified chain of ownership accompanies the watch, and the attribution should therefore be regarded as traditional rather than conclusively established by the object itself.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe enamel portrait retains strong color and detail with scattered light surface marks. The case displays fine scratches, rubbing and handling wear consistent with age. Several fine hairlines are present in the white enamel dial, most noticeably across its central and lower portions. The numerals, minute divisions and subsidiary-seconds register remain clear, while the hands, crown, bow, covers and hinges are present. The movement has not been exposed for identification, and its maker, serial number, service history and current timekeeping accuracy have not been verified.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe combination of an Imperial portrait, “Ehren-Geschenk” presentation inscription, Glashütte-system dial and traditional association with the highly decorated fighter ace Max Näther gives this watch particular interest to collectors of Imperial German aviation, military presentation pieces and historical horology.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50798309409007,"sku":"10-913","price":4995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/9169\/5855\/files\/IMG_9006.jpg?v=1789711937","url":"https:\/\/derrittmeister.com\/products\/prussia-pocket-watch-commemerating-kaiser-wilhelm-ii-award-to-lieutentant-max-nather","provider":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}