Vietnam
Era

 

Ceremonial Quality

 

Presented is an extremely rare U.S.
Navy Quarterdeck bronze bell marked US which dates it from after the 1950’s when bell’s were no
longer marked for the individual services. It is most likely
from the the Vietnam Era. As with most other Navy or military bells,
it is unmarked as to maker. It is complete with its original bulkhead mounting bracket,
clapper, unique cap nut and fancy bell
rope. Navy quarter deck bells are scarce. This is only
the second one we’ve discovered in five years. Bells in
this configuration were located in the quarter deck at
the gangway, on the ship’s bridge, and at the crow’s nest. It comes to
us from a retired Navy veteran and is in exceptionally fine condition, making it perfect for
ceremonial use.

Bells made for
the Navy used a special “Bell Metal” formula which produced a strong
resonance and distinctive ring. Once heard, it will never be forgotten.
Non Navy bells and those imported cannot match the tone of this
specially formulated bronze alloy which is unique to the Navy for
this highly specialized use.

DIMENSIONS
BELL:

Diameter at crown 4
1/2″                                       Weight

18 lbs. 

Diameter at
mouth 9 1/4″ Height to crown 7″
Height overall 9 3/4″ Maximum
width
12
1/2″

NAVY AFFILIATIONS:

Some
of the seller’s memberships, past and present, include the:
USS McKean (DDR
784) Association, Association of Naval Aviation, The
Tailhook Association, Naval Academy Sailing Squadron, Naval Academy Alumni
Association- Associate, McCampbell’s Aces Squadron, Naval Historical
Foundation, Silver Wings, and the Navy League of the
U.S..

 

 

 

Showing the perfect right side of bell and its inside with the clapper

Back of bell showing flat face of mounting bracket

 

CONDITION:
Excellent. Recently polished and lacquered for display or
ceremonial use. Expect to find a few outside marks of age and
use.  Outstanding resonate ring and strong
vibration. 

 

HISTORY OF THE QUARTERDECK:
There is
evidence that the marked respect paid the quarterdeck  aboard ship
today had its origin many hundreds of years ago. In the days of Greek
and Roman sea power, deference and homage were made to the
pagan altar, which was placed aft. Later the same respect was paid the
shrines of the Virgin similarly  located.  Still
later  the  Kings  colors, which  were
a  symbol  of  church  and  state
combined,  became  the  object  of
respect.  One  is impressed with the thought that the
quarterdeck has always been the honored part of the ship. It retains its
sanctity today.

Now, the Quarter-deck is
the area of the ship where the gangway comes aboard and the watch is
posted. A watch refers to the group of men actually on duty at any given
time. Officers and dignitaries are piped aboard. Those boarding and
departing the ship salute the flag on the fantail staff.

Ship’s bells and
announcements are also made from this location, sometimes accompanied by
a pipeing for all hands. Another announcement could be a call to General
Quarters.

As early as the 15th
Century, a bell was used to sound the time on board a ship. (Time in
those days was kept with an hourglass. ) The bell was rung every half
hour of the 4 hour watch. A 24 hour day was divided into six 4 hour
watches, except the dog watch (16:00 – 20:00 hours) which could be
divided into two 2 hour watches to allow for the taking of the evening
meal.