Kriegsmarine U-Boat Clock

Full Provenance To U-541

It was 1945, and the crew of the German submarine U-541 surrendered at Gibralter.  While it was at the docks, a serving member of the navy dock personnel, took the main bulkhead clock from U-541, and cut out the main section of actual bulk head, which bore the boats manufacture details. The clock remained within the family from 1945 through to 2016.

Kriegsmarine bulk head clock made by Kieninger & Obergfell. The clock with  brass case, hinged front with screwed front glass. The silvered clock dial with black numbers, eagle & swastika 'M'. This clock has a red painted seconds hand, as opposed to the usual black. The case number '87' stamped to the component parts. The clock mounted to a section of the inner bulk head of U-541, which bears some of the boats stampings. Additionally , underneath the boats stampings, a crudely hand-engraved designation states, 'TAKEN GIBRALTER 1945 L.RIDPATH'. At the base of the bulk head, a Kriegsmarine metal eagle/swastika emblem, riveted in place. The Kriegsmarine clock with a later brass key for opening and winding.

Condition report: Some general use. Overall very good to excellent condition, with a clean dial. The brass case with a few minor dents. The bulk head as cut from the U-Boat. Some rusting around the edges where it had been cut out. The movement functioning. No warranty implied.

Provenance: Removed from U-541 by Len Ridpath in Gibralter 1945. The  clock kept by Len Ridpath until his death and then inherited by John Ridpath. The clock sold by John Ridpath to the Clayton German Naval Collection in 2016. Remaining in the Clayton collection until consigned to ULRIC of ENGLAND.  Document detailing the provenance included in the sale.