My collection mainly US but growing...

[AmericanKraut]

I will start with what got me into the hobby, some items from my great grandfather Frank John Gluth he enlisted prewar in the cavalry and then was transferred into the AAF and retired in 61 and continued to work for the air force as a private contractor until he was unable and wore his uniform till he died unfortunately before I was born in the 80s. Most of these aaf items are his but a few are not. If anyone can find info on him other than "nara" I would be grateful I know his reenlistment number from 45 but not from 40. I dont know his bomber group but I know he flew in 24s and then 17s.

Anyways my two favorite items are his Waltham pocket watch that I need to get fixed and his B-15 jacket, sorry the photos are bad -Ben

[AmericanKraut]

Note the Ike Jacket and flight suit were not his but he was a tail gunner in the 8th aaf I am trying to throw together an impression to represent him during WWII. I will slowly ad the rest of my collection when I get around to it it is mainly us Infantry and I am trying to start collecting German but it is rather difficult with Mo in my area... -Ben

[Walkwolf]

Any chance of clear photos of the watch and it's interior ? The watch could be
from an earlier period - possibly your Great Great Grandfather's.

I can tell you the year it was made from the serial
number on the movement.........

[AmericanKraut]

It says American Waltham, U.S.A. Traveler 23526476 on the inside of the case Keystone Watchcase ... 19265

[Franz1944]

Nice, i cant wait till the Infantry part of your collection...

[Walkwolf]

The 'Traveller' was an economy watch - 7 jewels in the movement.
( I have one myself, but it is not running well ) I'm guessing it's
from the 1910's or possibly the early 20's, but I won't know
until I look it up shortly..........

[AmericanKraut]

More Pictures

[AmericanKraut]

Steve do you or anyone else know how to fix or troubleshoot this type of watch I would go to a professional but I dont have extra money at the time...

[Walkwolf]

Like a lot of these watches, it is probably overwound and the mainspring is
broken or stuck.

I know two up here in 'The Great White North'. A professional will charge
you around $150-$170 and a 3 to 6 month+ wait, as they can be very
busy if they are good - but it may not be worth it, save only for
sentimental reasons, as when it's fixed, it's only a $100 watch.
You must find someone who is well trained,
and not a hobbyist !

I had a bad experience with a 'Clock/watch repairman' who butchered
a rather uncommon Hampden key-wind 'Lafayette' from 1882 which
is an heirloom. I paid $130 for a botched, incomplete job - the guy
used incorrect and mismatching parts - not to mention five hours
travelling time. I did not know anything about antique
pocketwatches 15 years ago.

I could still have it fixed by a competent repairman,
but that's another $170.........

[Walkwolf]

Ben, your Great Grandfather's Waltham 'Traveller'
pocketwatch was made in 1920.........