
Very
similar to the bell we sold to the U.S. Military Command HQ in Thailand last yearPresented is a very early and exceptionally heavy
Navy “Foredeck” bell. The two ribbed bands at the top of the bell and the two bands at the mouth circumscribing
the crown dates it from the Turn of the 20th Century. It has been mounted on a hard wood stand for display and a proper
white macramé bell rope of the period is attached. It comes complete with all its original parts which sets it a
part from other bells of this genre.
- Clapper
- Mounting Shoe
- Special one piece brass nut
It is unusual for a bell of this type to have survived the years with all these parts present.
HARD TO FIND:U.S. Navy bells of this unique design
are becoming very scarce, and those this early are scarcer still. The vertical bracket allows them only to be mounted
on a pedestal or deck, hence they are known as anchor or foredeck bells.
SPECIAL NAVY
FORMULA BELL METAL: The tone of an authentic Navy bell, made using a special “bell metal” formula is not easily
forgotten. It has a strong resonance and vibration that rings sharp and clear with a distinctive sound. Do not expect
cheap imitations to have this special characteristic ringing because “bell metal” is a specially formulated bronze
alloy, unique to the Navy for their specialized use. THIS BELL HAS BEEN RECENTLY POLISHED
AND LACQUERED FOR
YOUR LASTING ENJOYMENT
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Large bronze deck shoe
Special
one piece nut and washerDIMENSIONS:
BELL:Diameter at crown 5″Diameter at mouth 10″
Height to crown 17″ Height overall 16 1/2″WOOD STAND: 16” L x 12″ W
x 5/8″ T Weight: 36 pounds
CONDITION: Its inside shows the marks of the
original clapper hitting the edge and flattening it which indicates that this bell has served at sea. There are two
dark foundry casting imperfections on the bell’s front near the mouth and a few on the bracket which seems
to be common to these early bells. Outstanding resonate ring and strong vibration.
Smaller of foundry imperfection
Larger
foundry imperfection
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Up
and down view of back of bracket |
This outstanding and rare US Navy bell is a great find for a gift,
presentation piece or for a collection that includes only the finest.