I have a watch, 17 jewel serial#5074748,casing serial#11474336.i would like to find out some information on this watch

Hi Andrew,
Your watch appears to be a 16 size, pendant set , 17j Mdl & Grade 305, approximately 151,600 made. The Grade 305 was Illinois most widely made medium grade movement, and a lot of them were Private Label watches.
Hope this helps you,
Bill

I have pictures. 3 more to come. I would like to know as much as possible about it. Where would I go or who would I talk to. My great uncle recovered it from a german soldier in WW1

Pic 2. Insides.

Pic 3. Thank you for your input. All input is HIGHLY appreciated.

It looks like a very good condition watch except it needs a bow to go around the crown to affix a chain to. The bow is missing.

Also this watch, movement # 5074748 was made by the Illinois Watch Co. in their factory in 1928. So we can say it wasn't around for WWI. It is a Birmingham Special that is a private labeled watch made for a special order customer.

Your question ; "Where would I go or who would I talk to", I hope have been answered. It's perfectly OK to ask questions, show your watch, and legally own it anywhere in the world.

regards,
bb

Thank you so very much. You have been such a help.

Andrew,
The manufacture date on the watch was approximately 1927 give or take a couple of years.
That would seem to discount part of the story about WW1. It is a nice looking watch and case, and will make a great heirloom for the family.
Bill
Oh I didn't notice in Busters quote the date of manufacture.

i missed 1,it was in the 2nd world war.