WW2 Mercer Brass Ships R.N. Convoy Zig Zag Clock Maritime Marine Nautical Boat

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

WW2 Mercer Brass Ships R.N. Convoy Zig Zag Clock Maritime Marine Nautical Boat:
$780.84

Very Rare WWII Original Royal Navy Mercer 8 Day Brass Ships Convoy ZIGZAG Working Clock with Key
OCTO Mercer St. Albans England
Overall diameter 9.5\" bevelled glass 6.5\" 4\" deep
With Original External Electrical Contacts

Bevelled Glass

Working with key

Great original piece. No major damage, bevelled glass intact, a few dints and marks commensurate with age.

Named zig zag as ships in a convoy were continually zig-zagging in close formation, leaving little room for intrusion. Besides their artillery, bomb-throwers and depth charges, they also had a well-armed naval escort.Clearly a submarine could not approach closely on the surface, and when she dived her speed was limited. The convoy’s zig-zag pattern was also continually changing, so that it was almost hopeless to judge where the ships would be when she put up her periscope again. They might be heading right away from her, in which case an attack was hopeless.

On the bridge was a zig-zag clock. It had a rim around its face and moveable contacts. The clock would be wound up and started when the Commodore ship lowered the Flag indicating the start of the zigzag. The ships would all lower their Flags and alter course to the first leg. The clock would then be started and when it reached 10 minutes it would sound a buzzer and the 2nd course would be instigated. The zigzag repeated itself each hour until another Flag signal would be raised by the Commodore ship indicating a resumption of course and this would be done on the lowering of the Flag.

As you could imagine, time had to be allowed for the ships to work out the relevant courses and as most would have magnetic compasses it called for some quick maths.

Please see all photos as these form part of the descriptionCollection WelcomeThis exceptional item will make a great display piece for nautical decor. Check out my store! Thanks for shopping. Please look at my other listings, including vintage Nautical Items, as well as other collectibles.... All low opening offer sales with Price, or great Buy It Now values. And all with satisfaction guaranteed.INTERNATIONAL BUYERS
If you wish to purchase more than 1 item from our listings please get in touch before buying. We should be able to save on shipping charges.Items we sell are antique, vintage, and collectable! Please have reasonable expectations! Most are older, used and may not be perfect (although some are!) ~ we try to describe things well and to make sure that the photographs are good. In spite of our best intentions, we may miss something. Please ask if you are unsure before you offer or buy! ~~ some cleaning and any repairs (which we will try to state if necessary) are left to the buyer! We recommend when purchasing vintage and secondhand electrical items that you should get them inspected by a qualified electrician before use.Please note I do my best to describe the item\'s, any question\'s do message me through .As unique items are very hard to price the majority of our items carry a \'make a best offer\' option. Please feel free to use it, at worst we will say no, at best you get something at a price you\'re really happy with. Be warned we will haggle!Please note, Quoted postage does not include the Highlands, Islands, Ireland The Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands. For these areas please email before purchasing so we can find the most economic postal service to your area. Thank you.Ref(CINBBTT)100417