Anybody know what this is?

Maybe it is a tool for setting up the depth or direction gear on the torpedo. Look at this plate here regarding the "White Head Torpedo" doesn't it look like that tool would fit. As far as it being a clockwork mechanism; the OP stated that it sounded like a kitchen timer when you spun it, so maybe what he meant to say was that it sounded like a ratchet?

 

Looks to me like it fits. Nice diagram

 

That's what I was thinking; but, in all the schematics that I have seen for torpedos the gyros seem to be pretty well kept away from curious little fingers.

 

1898 is the Whitehead Torpedo...so that would have put it in use during WW1.

The Schematic that I posted detailed the components for setting the depth of a surface launched torpedo. All the Gyros and gee whiz stuff is located in the middle of the torp with only little screw driver access holes. I think to get at the Gyros you'd need to pull the warhead or tail piece off.

Where is a torpedoman when you need one?

 

PM= Preventive Maintenance (MC)
PMS= Preventive Maintenance Service (Navy)
PMCS= Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (Army)
FIBANO= F8ck It Buy A New One= (Chair Force)

Just so we don't get accused of being insensitive

 

Sorry is not in my mind anything to do with depth charges..possibly for sure a timer for something else. DC pistols are sophiticated things and incorporate water resitant parts and several safety interlocks.

Nice pictures

 

Sorry is nothing to do with Depth Charges.....Is a clock work mechanism that could have 1001 uses possibly a timing device or from some form of recorder.

Ordanace items are mostly heavily stamped, maker, date, type, inspection No. etc etc. Wedges in columns is indicative only of early clock construction...

 

Thanks for the input Tim and Welcome aboard. We actually discounted the Depth Charge option almost immediately. The consensus is that it might be part of a Whitehead Torpedo adjustment or calibration set.