The above is a common German Message Center Clock of WWII. Early examples have varnished blond wood cases, later wood cases were painted feild gray, such as this 1943 dated example.
Less common is the outer case. Early examples are black or brown leather. This one came with the 1943 dated clock and it is made of erzats material. A replacement leather-like material in combination with some leather parts such as the strap. A cloth strip is mounted inside the case to pull the clock out if it should get stuck. Like a Luger holster for a clock.
The movement swings out exposing a large knob to wind the 8 day spring and a smaller knob to set the hands. "HEERESEIGENTUM" translates as "Army Property". Inkstamped inside the zink clock case is an army inspection eagle.
The functional case has a hole in the back for hanging from a nail,
and folding legs to keep it up-right on a table. In the above image, a waffenampt can be seen.
In a radio truck a special place was made for the clock which had a strap to hold it in place.
Luftwaffe and Kreigsmarine all had ground forces which used the same type of clock. Confusion often ensues with these clocks. Collectors assume a Kreigsmarine marked message center clock was used on a ship and one with Luftwaffe marks must have been used in aircraft. However, these clocks were not intended for ships nor aircraft. There is some evidence to suggest that some of them may have been used in tanks and other ground vehicles as needed.
The difference between the message center clocks of these various service branches are slightly different shades of field gray paint and, of course, different property markings.
After WWII, the new German Army continued to use this style of military clock. However, post-war clocks have modern German military and NATO code markings.
Any clocks in your collection?
Best regards,
Greg
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