WW2 German Wehrmacht – OFFICER SILVER POCKET WATCH – PRESENTED BY FROMM – RARE!

Description

You are bidding on a STUNNING and EXCEPTIONALLY RARE example of a WW2 German Wehrmacht Officer’s Silver Presentation Pocket Watch! Usually commemorating special achievement or accomplishments, this SPECIFIC item was personally awarded in 1944 to Major Herbert Fliessbach by Generaloberst Friedrich Fromm! Presentation gifts from Generaloberst Fromm are almost entirely unknown on the market, and named silver pieces of this level are exceptionally scarce.

Generaloberst Friedrich Fromm served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Ersatzheer (Replacement Army), placing him at the absolute center of the administrative, logistical, and personnel network in Berlin. Major (W) Herbert Fliessbach served within staff-level structures of the Oberfeldzeugstab and appears in multiple archival references as part of the broader administrative ecosystem that became directly involved in the aftermath of the July 20th assassination attempt. The timing of this Pocket Watch award (February 1st, 1944) is significant, as it places the piece squarely within the final months before Fromm’s dramatic fall from power.

Major Herbert Fliessbach was also one of the notorious four staff officers who were instrumental in bringing down the July 20, 1944 “Operation Valkyrie.” As a Major in Oberst Stauffenberg’s staff at the Bendlerblock (OKH Headquarters), he was among the first to notice that key conspirators were acting irregularly and withholding information. He secured weapons and ammunition and played a documented role in helping counter-conspirators regain control of critical sections of the building once the coup began to collapse. His role is mentioned in multiple publications on the July Plot. Although his part was less publicly prominent than others, his actions were considered essential, and he was awarded an immediate promotion to Oberst.

A personally engraved silver presentation watch from Fromm to an identifiable officer is not only museum-level militaria, but an artifact directly tied to one of the most important internal episodes of the Third Reich. This is a serious, researchable item with direct provenance to two historically significant individuals.

Made by Junghans (A. Lunser, Berlin) with a .900 Sterling Silver Case and 8k Gold Chain, this Presentation Pocket Watch remains in EXCELLENT, fully original wartime condition, with all components untouched, unpolished, and showing all natural age and patina!

The case is constructed of .900 SOLID SILVER, bearing period-correct German hallmarks inside both covers, consistent with presentation-grade watch production. The silver content marks are sharp and fully legible under magnification, with the correct font, punch depth, and oxidation pattern expected from 1940s manufacturing. Surfaces show natural, even patina developed over 80 years, with no evidence of modern buffing, grinding, or laser resurfacing. Edges, rims, and hinge areas retain their original geometry with no metal loss, deformation, or abnormal wear.

Inside the rear cover features a deeply cut hand-engraved inscription that is 100% period correct. It features V-shaped tool cuts, micro-burrs, and fine oxidation inside the stroke channels, all of which indicate decades of natural aging. There is zero sign of rotary-tool work, diamond-drag modern engraving, or postwar enhancement. The letterforms match documented 1930s – 40s engraving typography and spacing, including the distinctive “ß/ss” handling and angled serif structure. The inscription indicates:

Dem Major (W) Fliessbach
als Anerkennung
besondere Verdienste

Fromm
Generaloberst

i.
Febr. 1944

(To Major (Wehrmacht) Fliessbach

In recognition
of special merit

Fromm
Generaloberst

February 1, 1944)

The signature of Generaloberst Friedrich Fromm remains crisp and sharply defined, with the exact irregular peaks, pressure variations, and stroke taper seen in authenticated wartime examples. The inscription plate shows no flattening or stress marks, indicating it was engraved during the period on the original case.

The dial is original and shows gentle aging, with intact numerals, correct hands, and no signs of repainting or postwar re-luming. The crystal is period and exhibits expected surface marks – NOT modern acrylic or replacement glass. The crown, bow, and hinges are all original to the watch. The hinge actions are smooth, with no play or looseness; interior surfaces show age-appropriate silver oxidation but no corrosion or structural issues.

The movement is clean and fully original. No modern parts, screws, or tampering are visible. The watch has NOT been recently serviced; therefore, timekeeping has NOT been tested and it may require cleaning or adjustment, as expected for a wartime mechanical watch that has remained dormant for decades. All plates, screws, and gears exhibit correct age toning, with no evidence of moisture damage, battery retrofits, or postwar modification.

The included chain is period to the piece and (though not shown) bears multiple period gold hallmarks on the master oval link, including purity, maker, and regional assay marks, struck in the characteristic pre-1945 Germanic style. Though difficult to read, these inspection marks match the low-karat gold alloys commonly used in wartime Germany (most likely 333/8K or similar), with correct oxidation and wear patterns. This is a correct and desirable low-karat alloy commonly used in wartime Germany – harder, more durable, and absolutely appropriate for a utility chain carried by an officer. The alloy shows natural tone variation from decades of oxidation and handling, with no plating separation or artificial patina. Links are tight and original, with no replacements, breaks, or modern solder.

Overall, this is an EXCELLENT, fully untouched, museum-grade example of a German WWII silver presentation watch – solid silver case, 8K gold chain, deep period engraving, correct wartime hallmarks, and named directly to a significant officer, with the historically extraordinary bonus of being personally signed by Generaloberst Friedrich Fromm. Originality, materials, and patina are consistent across every component, making this one of the finest and most historically important presentation pieces I have encountered. PERFECT for any high-end collection or display!