Description
You are bidding on an VERY RARE and BOXED example of a WW2 German Kriegsmarine 55 minute Zeitzünder zur Selbstversenkung für Zerstörungsladungen um Schiffe und U-Boote zu sprengen (Demolition Timer to Scuttle Ships and U-Boats)! This item was used by the crew for the delayed detonation of a large charge when abandoning ocean vessels.
With a time delay from 1 minute to 55 minutes (as the sailors needed time to abandon ships), the clockwork mechanical delay fuse, the Zeitzünder, has a bakelite casing containing a spring-loaded striker actuated by a clockwork mechanism. There is one dial for setting the delay period, and the dial marked is for the number of minutes. At the end of the delay period determined by the setting, it detonates the main charge.
Made of bakelite, aluminum, and steel, this Mechanical Fuse set was manufactured between 1943 and 1945, and is in EXCELLENT unused condition! There is some slight wear, scratches, and marks, but it is very solid otherwise, and retains 98% of its original finish! The main dial is graduated in minute increments up to 55 minutes total. It is still factory sealed, however it appears the veteran who brought it back already set it once. As such, the internal clockwork spring will need to be reset in order to function. Comes not only with the original box, but also with the original instructions tag! Tag indicates:
1) Plomb entfernen
(Remove seal)
2) Zeit einstellen
(Set the time)
3) Vorstecker Abzeihen
(Remove the pin)
4) Einstellscheibe hochziehen
(Pull up the setting disc)
The box is original to this set, and features a matching Waffenamt, as well as a stamp on the bottom. Some damage and tears to the box, but it does not detract. I have shown how it was attached in the last image. A VERY NICE and HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER item, it would make a SUPERB addition to any collection or display!
