watch
Catalog Number
1964.12.3
Dimensions
2.25 in.
Description
Silver watch, open face. This watch is round with a white face, black Roman numerals, a knob at top for winding and a ring at top for attaching to a chain. Beneath the number "XII" is the word "Elgin".
At the bottom of the watch, above where the number "VI" should appear, there is a second timer.
History
This watch was taken from the body of a dead man (although the watch is American made, it may be that the body was that of a dead Russian soldier) by Holland, MI resident Frank Helmers during WWI. Frank was one of the Polar Bears in WWI. “Called Polar Bears because they were stationed in frigid northern Russia for nine months fighting the Bolsheviks during and after the Nov. 11, 1918, World War I Armistice. 24 of these men were from Holland. They were welcomed home Friday, July 19, 1919.”
Gift of
Nies, Harry
