Description
GERMANY – DESK PIECE – PILOT WATCH WITH HAND CARVED WOODEN STAND IN THE SHAPE OF AN EAGLE
Over the years we have been able to offer one or two of the pilot watches which were issued and used aboard various types of aircraft. This was an important aide on an airplane to keep track of how long the flight had lasted and how much fuel was remaining aboard.
This pilots watch has a white dial which includes a second hand. On the face of the watch we see midway down the dial “Eigentum der FlIegertruppen.” On the reverse we see engraved the winged propeller of the FlIegertruppen and the letters “FZL.”
The watch does work…wind and the second hand sweeps within its small dial. I cannot speak to the accuracy of the watch and how it keeps time. This is actually the first watch that I have found that DOES operate.
When you consider how many German airplanes were shot down (While I don’t have an exact number it surely amounted to thousands.) but the bulk of those watches were lost as well as those to flying accidents. The point being that a relatively small number survived the war and to have one that actually winds and keeps time is a major plus for this example
OK, so now we know that we have a watch that actually works. But it just gets better with the other part of our presentation. The pilot managed to have a superbly hand carved wooden holder in which to rest his timepiece when not taken to the flight line. This holder is an intricately carved Eagle with wide spread wings. Germans are master wood carvers both in the Black Forest and Bavaria to name a few parts of the country.
The artist whom carved this, did so painstakingly, with great attention to detail. His craftsmanship can clearly be seen in the detail to the feathers of the wings and of the Eagles body. We also see great attention to the claws of the Eagle. There are four wooden feet which makes the entire presentation really stand out.
The cutout for the watch is perfectly carved to keep the watch safely and snugly in place. There is a brass metal band insert where the watch resides that has been very neatly machined to a high gloss.
I am going to go out on a limb and say this was done by one of the mechanics in his spare time who also had access to the tools to do the metal band. Whether my theory stands up I can tell you that whoever did this spent hours on this creation with the typical German attention to detail that they are known for.
This is an amazing one of a kind presentation and will hold a proud place in your collection whether your interest is aviation, wood carving, or another area. Spectacular!!
