A Swiss DOXA silver-plated pocket watch numbered 818892, in a leather-backed silver presentation frame, Gebr. Friedlander, Berlin, circa 1915

the frame inscribed Weihnachten 1915 Feld-Flieger Abt. 62, signed by 15 members of squadron 62; together with a silver and enamel photograph frame unmarked, circa 1937, containing a N.S.K.F photograph of Hermann Fricke, headed and applied at the corners with models of the POUR LE MERITE (Blue Max) and inscribed U. PG. HERMANN FRICKE ZUM 20 "POUR LE MERITE" JUBILÄUM. DIE KAMERADEN DES N.S.F.K.

Watch mechanism not checked, appears currently to be not functioning but otherwise in excellent condition; presentation case with some scuffs to leather and broken strap; picture frame missing easel support, and needs re-pinning to backing, but overall condition is pretty good. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The presentation watch is inscribed by 15 members of Abteilung 62 (squadron based at Douai) including Oswald Boelke and Max Immelmann.

Immelmann (known as `the eagle of Lille') was killed on 18 June 1916 and Boelke, one of Germany's finest aerial tacticians, who schooled the more famous Manfred von Richtofen, on October 28th of the same year. They were the first two airmen to win the Pour le Merite  known in airforce circles as the Blue Max in honour of Immelmann.

Hermann Fricke whose name is inscribed on the picture frame lived on to fight in the next war. He was not a fighter pilot but received his `Pour le Merite' on 23 December 1917 for commanding a team and developing a system of aerial photography which eventually mapped 3700 square miles of battlefield. Highly unusually for a pilot he had asked for and received command of an infantry brigade to understand the difficulties of a commander, which were principally to know the enemy's position and its strength.