WW2 Ships Mercer Convoy ZIG ZAG Clock

A WW2 allied convoy ZIG ZAG clock made by Mercer of St Albans.

The clock is working but is running slow.

ZIG ZAG clocks were used on ships in the Atlantic Convoys with pre agreed timings set on the outer ring with adjustable contacts and when the minute hand made contact a bell or light was activated and the helmsman changed heading to a pre agreed set of courses so that the convoy all moved in the same direction and ZIG Zagged to confuse U-boat Wolf packs.

This 8 day Ships Bulkhead clock has a few telltales that confirm it to be a Zig Zag clock.

The bezel has the AP ( Admiralty Pattern ) Number that is specific to Zig Zag Clocks.

The minute hand has a hole where a flexible silver strip was originally soldered to allow it to make a circuit briefly with the outer ring contacts

The dial had four holes in the face where the conductive ring used to be These have been filled and the dial repainted.

We have also turned a wooden disc with a key slot hangar to allow it to wall hang.

The clock has a 6.5 inch dial and is 5 inches deep. The mount is 9 inches wide.