Original U.S. WWI 90th Division Signal Corps Photographer’s Engraved French Model 1917 Flare Pistol, Corps of Engineers Pocket Watch, Compass, and Trench Watch - Lieutenant Meyer Schamberg Lentz, Photographer on Pershing’s Staff
In stock
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Original Items. One-of-a-Kind Group. This is an outstanding set of items having belonged to 1st Lieutenant Meyer Schamberg Lentz, Photographic Section, Signal Corps, 90th Division, who served as one of the chief photographers for the 90th “Tough ‘Ombres” Division and later for the 7th Army Corps. As shown, we were able to find a photograph online showing him in France operating a camera! We also found that Lentz served as a photographer on the staff of General Pershing and was the only American military cameraman assigned to cover the signing of the Peace Treaty at Versailles.
The group consists of an outstanding personally engraved French M1917 flare pistol, a very rare U.S. Corps of Engineers pocket watch, a compass in the original pouch, and a still-running trench watch. Lentz saw combat in the St. Mihiel & Meuse-Argonne Offensives.
The group consists of:
- Heavy French-made brass flare pistol which is beautifully engraved on top of the barrel “Lieut. M.S. Lentz” with floral motifs engraved to each side panel. These are difficult to find on their own but to have one so meticulously engraved by a signal corps photographer is astounding. The flare pistol still functions soundly with oxidation to the steel fittings and some minor verdigris. The lanyard ring is intact as well.
- VERY RARE Swiss-Made Ulysse Nardin Locle & Genève U.S. Corps of Engineers Pocket Watch, serial number 6012. These Swiss-made pocket watches are incredibly difficult to find on their own, and often fetch prices upwards of $1,000+. The watch’s wind still turns but the watch only functions when the wind is pushed in the other direction and it stops after about 15 seconds. It will likely need some work to function properly.
- U.S. Engineer compass by Wittnauer in good functional condition. Comes in the original pouch in which it was kept.
- Trench wristwatch by maker Illinois with original canvas wristband. The watch’s crystal is now heavily yellowing but is removable. The watch does not currently function and the face is heavily darkened. Will require some work to get functional.
Meyer Schamberg Lentz was born on September 22nd, 1883 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He made his career as a photographer early in his life. He first enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard on June 10th, 1902, re-enlisting in 1905, 1908, 1911, and again January 4th, 1916 for the Mexican Border call, being promoted to Sergeant Bugler and serving along the border. He was discharged on August 7th, 1917, and was commissioned as an officer in the Signal Corps on November 28th, 1917. He specialized in Signal Corps photography and was assigned to the 90th Division as Signal Corps Photographer. He traveled overseas on June 20th, 1918 and was the Divisional photographer during the St. Mihiel Offensive from September 12-16th, 1918, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive from September 26th to November 11th, 1918. He was then assigned as photographer for the 7th Army Corps. His obituary also states that he served as a photographer on the staff of General Pershing and was the only American military cameraman assigned to cover the signing of the Peace Treaty at Versailles. He stayed overseas a bit longer, returning on October 20th, 1919 and being discharged on October 27th, 1919, after 17 years of Army service. He passed away on January 22nd, 1933 at the age of 48.
This is an outstanding group of items with a great engraved flare pistol, ready to become a display in your collection!
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