Some are familiar with this watch, as it was discussed 3 years ago, and I brought it up again in a couple of threads, as I found it fascinating. I ended trading a close friend one of my no date 300s for it, and I couldn't be happier. I won't get into the weeds, but the 166.024 was bought by Lt. Col. George A. Finter, most likely at the PX in Saigon, although an extract will confirm, in 1968. Lt. Col. Finter died in a plane crash 13 days before he was to return home to his wife and 2 daughters from his 4th tour in Vietnam. His life, accomplishments, and story was packed away in a box, shipped home, and unearthed in 2013 when his youngest daughter passed away...his memory on the verge of extinction. Luckily a collector, who was a vet himself, saw the importance of the watch and ephemera, and purchased all he could. What I am sharing today is special, as it pays tribute to a man who devoted his life to defending the freedoms of America, and paid the ultimate price. Although his he and his family are gone, his memory is alive and strong...all because he bought a cool watch almost 50 years ago. Reading the documents paints an amazing picture of his career and life.
Interesting to see this "Ausländer Jahresjagdschein" which translates to something like "foreigner huntinglicense" seems like he was stationed in Germany at some point of his career, living in Esslingen. A very picturesque town on the river Neckar close to Stuttgart. Here are some pics taken from the web. Interesting history and great watch!
Very cool and thanks for the translation. I know where he was stationed for his entire career which is really cool. He met his wife in Germany and I also have all of her documents...her Nazi issued passport from 1942 and post war travel docs.
Fantastic tribute! He'd probably never imagined to be remembered this way, on the web, and by his watch!! And it's great that he has!!
I am honestly blown away. This undeniably cool and breathtaking. Even all the documents look like they we typed up and signed yesterday. You are doing him and his family an incredible service by sharing this, thank you for sharing with us. Stories like this one make this hobby more than satisfying and shows how each watch truly does have its own story.
The pictures of Esslingen have brought back fond memories for me I spent a week there in the late 80s as an architectural student critiquing the layout of the medieval town - so thanks for that Great post watchnut The historical record of your watch makes a special piece even more special
Hell of a story and a fitting write up for a hero. One of thousands that are unknown to all but their families and friends.