Hello, All!

I have an unusual piece that I hope someone could help me identify. Here are the description points:

[] Made in Germany.
[] Approx 3" in diameter.
[] 6 minute dial with single second hand.
[] Lever on right hand side pushes down and rotates the clock to the 0 mark and timing begins.
[] Bell chimes at 2'30" and 5'30"
[] A lever on top allows the user to stop/start the timing.
[] It's made of brass with a white face.
[] It mounts to a flat surface using 4 screw holes.

It's an old piece and I am very curious as to what its function is. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Bobby

Robert “Bobby” Wickes
Booz | Allen | Hamilton
On Site Support
Air Combat OnLine
COMHSLWINGLANT Weapons Tactics Unit
NS Mayport, FL
MOB: 904-535-7892
COM: 904-270-7559 ext 136
DSN: 960-7559 ext 136
FAX: 904-270-7560
Email: ROBERT.WICKES@navy.mil
WICKES_ROBERT@bah.com
BWICKES@GMAIL.COM
http://www.AWHANGAR.com/

If would be helpful if you could post an image of the timer and a description of any markings on it.

Thanks,
Greg

Sorry the picture didn't come through. Here it is.

The word "Germany" located under the number 3 is the only marking on the device.

It did not come with the wood plaque. I did that myself.

Bobby

Robert “Bobby” Wickes
Booz | Allen | Hamilton
On Site Support
Air Combat OnLine
COMHSLWINGLANT Weapons Tactics Unit
NS Mayport, FL
MOB: 904-535-7892
COM: 904-270-7559 ext 136
DSN: 960-7559 ext 136
FAX: 904-270-7560
Email: ROBERT.WICKES@navy.mil
WICKES_ROBERT@bah.com
BWICKES@GMAIL.COM
http://www.AWHANGAR.com/

Thank you for the image of your interesting timer. I have not seen one of these previously.

It may have been used to time some sort of game or sporting event. Another possibility was the timing of steps in production, such as how long parts should remain submerged in a chemical sollution, prior to being removed and submerged in another sollution, etc.

Best regards,
Greg

I agree with Greg that it appears to be more industrial related rather than military related.

Thank you!

Which forum do you think would be most appropriate for a repost?

Also, is there any way to figure out how old this piece is?

Bobby

I might suggest starting a new thread in the clock forum and the tools forum.

My guess as to age would be around 1900 - 1930.

Best regards,
Greg

It's probably made for keeping track of telephone calls "markings" periods, not at all related to any military use. In the old days, at least here in Europe, you paid for every three minutes time of the calls. This device gives a warnig 30 seconds before a new marking's period will start and thus gives you time to finish your call. Halda of Sweden was a great producer of similar timers which you would find on the wall in the proximity of the telephone. This one seems to have been produced by Becker in Germany, ripping off the original Halda invention. If you look at older chronographs, you'll often find heavier marked lines every three minutes on the minute record.

Hi Peter Stammler

This is the great thing about our international chapter. I would never have known the information to figure out this timer. Not only have you explained the uses of the timer, but many chronograph dials as well. Thanks for your help.

Best regards,
Greg

Bobby,
Did you see the "Bolshevik timer" I posted pictures of? I guess these were something they needed a certain special timing device for.

Bolshevik timer.

Andy