Up for sale today is an exceptionally beautiful and extremely desirable silverode WWI Waltham Trench Watch, housed in a Philadelphia case, that features a high end 15 jewel movement, the original factory crown, a Shadow Box enamel military dial and a Mealy Manufacturing "RADIO" Crystal Guard. I've done a lot of research on the original owner of this Waltham. It was originally owned by Private George Stanford of Los Angeles California. Private Stanford was born on April 5, 1895 on Cincinnati Ohio then later moved to California. I was able to find Pvt. Stanford's WWI Draft Registration Card dated May 2, 1918. On June 24, 1918 he enlisted in the United States Army and became part of the 40th Division. On August 10, 1918 he boarded a ship named the Oxfordshire and headed to France. After serving honorably during the Great War he came back to the United States on December 23, 1918 aboard the USS Matsonia that left out of Bordeaux. He was honorably discharged from the US Army on February 26, 1919. The inscription on the case back reads: "George Stanford, Company F, California National Guard, 7th Regiment". Upon studying the records that I found pertaining to Pvt. Stanford I discovered something very interesting! On his WWI Draft Registration Card, line 11, he stated that he DID have previous military experience with an infantry division as a Bugler. This information is also listed on his 1954 application for a US Army headstone. Now, prior to WWI the United States was at war with the raider Poncho Villa of Mexico. Villa's men killed many American citizens, burned and looted. The California National Guard's 40th Infantry Division was called into service to fight Poncho Villa including Private Stanford who served in this campaign as a Bugler. They served under General Pershing during this campaign who would later become General of the Armies during WWI. When Pvt. Stanford enlisted to serve once again, this time in WWI, he served as a Bugler in an Infantry Division. A Bugler was one of the most dangerous jobs in an infantry division! He would be a main target for enemy snipers. Killing the Bugler in the heat of battle could further disrupt troops already shaken by the confusing fog of war. Bugle calls were an old form of communication when telegraph wires were destroyed. A Bugler would sound the call for advance, attack, charging and retreat as well as for mustering the troops. Private Stanford was honorably discharged from the US Army on February 26, 1919. He passed away on March 4, 1954 and is buried at the Los Angeles National Cemetery. This absolutely remarkable piece of American craftsmanship is in great cosmetic condition. Our Great Grandfather's knew how to make things that would last for generations! The incredibly beautiful movement was just completely taken apart and serviced on 10-3-2021, a new mainspring has also been installed. It's now in superb running condition and keeping excellent time. This watch has been tested on a professional timegraph 5000 Machine for accuracy so rest assured! Take another look at picture number three again, this movement is clean as a whistle and stunningly beautiful! I'm sure that you have noticed by now that this is not your ordinary trench watch case by a long shot! This is a silverode trench watch case that was manufactured by Philadelphia Watch Case Company, circa 1914. The inside of the case back does not have a serial number, this means that it's one of the very first of these cases that were made. Serial numbers weren't added to the case backs until late 1915. The bezel and case back both snap crisply in place, just as they should. The case has NOT been polished, just cleaned up a bit. Plus, this watch still has the original factory crown! This watch is simply incredible! The enamel dial on this WWI Waltham Trench Watch is among the most desirable they ever made, the Shadow Box military dial! The dial features a white face, shadow box numerals, an outer track minute markers, the correct blue steel skeleton hands for this dial and is signed "WALTHAM" near the center. The dial and hands on this Waltham have been re-lumed using safe dark brown material for that desirable vintage look. This historic and iconic WWI Waltham Trench Watch has been fitted with a hand made dark brown leather Kitchener Strap that absolutely makes the watch! The strap was American made in Nebraska. Take a look at picture number two again, this watch looks stunning on the wrist! The strap will fit a wrist up to about 7.75 inches. It will have a bit of wear on it because I seriously could not resist wearing this one for a few days, can you blame me? Here are the movement details: 1910 Waltham, 15 jewels, larger size 0s version, serial number 17714226, grade 165, model 1907. They just don't make them like this anymore! The case measures 40mm lug tip to lug tip, 32.7mm without the original factory crown with a 10mm lug diameter. A brand new glass crystal has been installed using UV cement and a UV curing machine. I also installed a new inner sleeve in the crown tube, it now has a nice firm pop, just as it should. This watch is ready to be worn and shown off, it will surely get noticed! I put a lot of time and effort into this incredibly desirable WWI Waltham Trench Watch, I'm sure that you will appreciate the quality and quantity of work that has been done. Solid old World craftsmanship at its finest! You would be seriously hard pressed to find a finer example of this WWI Waltham Trench Watch that features a superb Philadelphia silverode case, Shadow Box Enamel Military Dial, blue steel skeleton hands, re-lumed, 15 jewel movement, the original factory crown and a hand made dark brown leather Kitchener Strap! This one sets the bar! Thank you for your honorable service in the Mexican Expedition and in the Great War Private Stanford! Watches like this are very hard to come by these days, especially with very detailed information about the original owner and his service along the Mexican Boarder fighting Poncho Villa and in France during the Great War. This IS history! You will receive a FREE Poppy Lapel Pin with this purchase!