US Navy Seth Thomas WW2 Mark 2 Model 0 Zig Zag Course Clock

  
Seldom seen WW2 ships clock developed in 1941 and made in the USA for the US Navy by the Seth Thomas Clock Co. Called a Course Clock, it was designed to enable Allied ships to set a zig zag course at varying timed intervals that could increase their likelihood of avoiding torpedoes from enemy submarines and airplanes. There were two models of Mark 2 course clocks made, the Model 0 and the Model 1. This example is a Mark 2 Model 0 bearing serial number 20132. One online resource estimates that only about.

1500 of these were made before a revised sinuous course technology was introduced in the Mark 3 Course Clock, replacing all earlier versions in Allied ships. This clocks 8-day double sprung barreled movement is in excellent running and cosmetic condition and winds up smoothly while keeping excellent time.

It has a knob on the side for setting the time and another lever for stopping and starting the clock; both work as intended, and the manual cautions that the time should never be set by moving the clock hands. There are no cracks, splits, or gouges in the case or its hinge and front cover latch, all of which are original.

The case and front bezel have great natural undisturbed patina which has not been disturbed. Clock dimensions: front bezel outer diameter 7 ¾, dial diameter 5 ½, overall depth 5, maximum case width 11.

There is a gong in back that alerted the crew when it was time to change course, and a pointer needle; the gong dings loudly when I gently lift/drop the arm, and the pointer needle rotates from one end to the other when the clock is rotated, but its rest position is always on the right of the glass window, aligned with the clock face "2". Beyond that I have no idea how they are set. This clock comes in its original solid wood case complete with all of its felt-lined wood blocks and pins that secure the clock inside.

The brass winding key is in its slot in the case. The cases 2 front latches and stout leather carry strap are intact and working as intended, and the clock doesnt move around when stored inside correctly.

Case dimensions: 11 ½ x 11 ½ x 8. The Mark 2 had an 11-page "Restricted-Access" US Navy Instruction guide, a copy of which is included with this clock. It references some attachments (spacers, cams, pins, etc) that are not included with this clock, unless they are currently attached.

From the pictures in the manual, I think a couple brass side spacers are attached and there are 15 pins of various shaft lengths in a small rack on the bottom of the case; all 15 slots are filled. On the top of the clock is riveted a small black label that says Modified by NYNYK for ARMA Mark 6 Repeater; p1 of the manual refers to installation of the Mark 2 on the ARMA Mark 6 or Sperry Mark 24 steering repeater. It will be packed with great care, plenty of padding and a soft foam base, and sent fully insured with tracking.

The item "US Navy Seth Thomas WW2 Mark 2 Model 0 Zig Zag Course Clock" is in sale since Thursday, November 8, 2018. This item is in the category "Antiques\Maritime\Maritime Clocks". The seller is "earlygrey" and is located in Seattle, Washington.

This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech republic, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Estonia, Australia, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovenia, Sweden, Belgium, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Mexico, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway, Ukraine, Croatia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Bermuda, Bolivia, Ecuador, French guiana, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Iceland, Jersey, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Peru, Paraguay.

• Maker: Seth Thomas
• Military Branch: US Navy
• Type: Ship's Clock
• Country/Region of Origin: United States
• Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
• Time Period, War: WWII