Seeking Information re. Unteroff K. Sell

[Glenn R]

Hi Guys, I have a engraved pocket watch dedicated for bravery during patrol to Unteroff K Sell, Reserve Infantry Regiment 74, dated 1918.
Anyone got anything on this fellow?

Many thanks, Glenn.

[Rick Research]

If you've got a FULL date on it, it will be possible to at least tell where it was earned.

IF the unit's WW1 regimental history (assuming there was one) was any good, chances are it would mention an occasion like this. I've read many where a sharp patrol action resulted in members being "rewarded" like this (at regimental or even divisional level) and though usually not specifying rewarded HOW, other than not with an official award-- a watch was a valued as well as practical choice. Some units gave out unofficial medals. Cash was popular as well-- depended on the CO.

These are remarkably hard to find, since most probably went in the trash when they ceased functioning, or when their recipients died.

[Glenn2438]

Regimental History

The regiment does have a published history:

Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 74. Die Geschichte vom Leben und Kämpfen eines deutschen Westfront-Regiments im Weltkriege 1914-1918 by Georg Brauer, Stalling, Oldenburg 1933.

Might be a bit tricky getting hold of a copy though

Regards
Glenn

[Glenn R]

Thanks chaps, the watch is dated "1 Dez 1918", presumably the award date.
Glenn.

[Glenn R]

Here are two views of the watch. It is silver with a swiss action and still keeps good time with a 7 day action. The watch is held in a presentation case with the jeweller's name on the inner lid.

[Glenn R]

Engraving reads "Fur tapferkeit beim patroliengang, Unteroff K Sell R.I.R 74. 1 Dez 1918"