Vintage Miniature Bronze Ship’s Bell US Navy Galley Bell
of a traditional ship’s bell, and has the appearance of a Navy bell, but is only about 1/3 the size.
Presented is an authentic vintage bell designed in the customary shape
of a ship’s bell and similar to most US Navy bells, but diminutive in size. It’s 3 pounds 6 plus ounces is extremely heavy
for its small size. The bracket is for mounting on a bulkhead. Its interior shows a ring around the inside of the mouth which
indicates it was used at sea for a long period. The exterior has numerous deep marks from ringing it by hitting it with an
object having a sharp edge in addition to using the clapper. It comes complete with the original clapper, mounting bracket,
shackle, and fancy bell rope. There are no foundry markings.
Back
of bell showing bracke
Ringing marks
on outside of mouth
Interior of
bell showing clapper marks around perimeter
Dimensions:
Maximum height
9“ Height to crown 3 3/4”
Diameter at mouth 5 1/4” Diameter at crown 3“
Maximum width 5 1/4” Weight 3 Lbs 6+ oz
Bells
have a long history at sea and ashore for making announcements, signaling and sounding alarm. At sea they are used for “call
to quarters”, when at anchor in a fog, and more frequently to announce the change of the watch. They were also used
by the cook to announce that meals were being served. Because of it small size and ringing marks, it is our opinion that this
was used as a galley bell.
The fancy bell rope and shackle are
included
High quality bells are made from an especially formulated bronzes and produce a distinctive ring that cannot
be duplicated by those of lesser quality. The strong vibration and pleasing tone of this bell is sounds like a much a larger
one, and confirms its quality.
