First World War watch FOB

[bstnlvr]

My wife's farther passed recently and he left me his Fathers things from the first world war. He was with the 3rd division, he had a few iron Cross's. A German belt and buckle with buttons from other nations attached. The is what I think is a watch FOB from world war one Germany the medallion has a bust of Wilhelm II and DEUTSCHER KAISER Wilhelm II, Its black with a embored eagle and the date 1914. On the back the medallion have the words ICH KEN NE KEINE PARTEINE MEHR ICH KENNENUR DEUTSCHE If anyone has any info please let me know. I'm unable to attack and pics att.

[Hauptmann]

Here's the pics... nice fob! First I've seen like this:

[Hauptmann]

[Hauptmann]

[Hauptmann]

I think the reverse translates as something like "I know no more parties (political parties)... I know only Germans.

But hoping others can help out.

I for one would love to see pics of the other items you inherited.

Hoping this helps.

Dan

Edited June 29, 2010 by Hauptman

[bstnlvr]

I will use by digital caners to take pics of the rest. But not sure when, the funeral is this week. He still had one of his dad's WW1 US uniforms, helmet and bayonet. I'm retired Army and this is a treasure if history.

[Tom Y]

I think the reverse translates as something like "I know no more parties (political parties)... I know only Germans.

Dan

The quote is from a speech by Willi from the balcony of the Berliner Stadtschloss on 1 August, 1914, I believe promising support of and unity with Austria-Hungary.

The next day the games had begun.

[joerookery]

Correct speech but not unity with inside the alliance but rather unity between the political parties inside of Imperial Germany. Historically, there had been a huge amount of tension between socialists, Catholic Center, and others during the empire. In the Reichstag, were budgets were approved, the Socialists had just become the largest group. All of the parties voted for war credits–which really means the budget supplemental unanimously. This saying heralded in a concept known as Burgfrieden, which meant that there would be peace with inside the castle wall during the war and political differences would be placed outside for the benefit of Germany. While this peace concept lasted a while eventually the tension rose again. In another plug for the book– this entire undertaking is discussed in English along with the inclusion of a postcard where the Kaiser writes the exact same thing. :rolleyes: