Kriegsmarine Ships Clock with History. Taken from the Admiral Hipper

Kriegsmarine Ships Clock with History. Taken from the Admiral Hipper

Code: 56169

SOLD

A quite beautiful example of a Kreigsmarine ships clock by Kieninger & Obergfell. Standard on all Kriegsmarine vessels, including U Boats, these clocks have a brass case, originally painted black but most usually, as is the case here, with the paint later removed for appearance purposes.

What makes this Clock particularly appealing is its provenance. Recently obtained from the Granddaughter of the Royal Navy sailor, Edgar Ormonde Gordon Bonaparte Dix, the Clock has remained in the family since her Grandfather return from Germany with it in 1945 and has never been offered for sale before.

Mounted on a wooden plaque a plate at the base states “ War Prize removed from German heavy Cruiser Admiral Hipper August 1945 by E.O.G.B. Dix  R.N.”

As the war in Europe closed in May 45 the Hipper was in dock in Kiel, severely damaged in a succession of RAF bombing raids. She no doubt became a Mecca for souvenir hunters, one of whom being Edgar Dix.

The Clock is in very good condition. It runs well and keeps very good time having been regularly serviced during its time with the family. The dial is in excellent condition. All marking are of course guaranteed original and show the clock to have been issued to the North Sea Fleet with the inventory number 15003. The dial itself is silvered zinc and also displays a perfect example of the third generation of eagles featured on these Clocks.

The case back carries the serial number 15660, the  two digits 56 appearing on the hinge and lock of the glass opening window. The glass appears to have been replaced and a small repair effected to the hinge. The case is free of dents and with the three fitting lugs in place.

I am a vocal critic of those who sell fakes of these clocks at some of the fairs around the UK and on eBay, most of which originate from a Glaswegian fraudster living in Edinburgh. Naturally this example is guaranteed absolutely original and can be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity if required.

The last images show E.O.G.B Dix in his royal Navy uniform along with his medals held by the family. These are not included in the sale but I can supply prints of the pictures if wanted.