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WWII US Navy Ship's Bell Marked U.S.N, 1941-1945

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 1,000.00 USD
WWII US Navy Ship's Bell Marked U.S.N, 1941-1945
Featured in this lot is a Solid brass U.S.N marked U. S. Navy ship's bell with original brass clapper with braided rope handle. Bells have a centuries-long tradition of varied use in the navies and merchant fleets of the world. Signaling, keeping time, and sounding alarms are important in a ship's routine and readiness. Their functional and ceremonial uses have made them a symbol of considerable significance to the United States Navy. Prior to 1900, bell designs were ornate with no standard specifications which were introduced during the WW I era that included 5-6 circumference bands. The interwar period from 1930 to 1940 saw shape and design variations again including the decrease of circumference bands to 2-4. From 1941-1945, a uniform shape without circumference bands became standard issue. The tone of all Navy bells varies with their size. A bell of this size is A flat; the largest Navy bell is B flat. Navy bells are classed by the size of the vessel for the primary bell which would be the largest on board. Larger bells have the ship’s name and cannot be legally sold unless obtained by the first owner in a bona fide surplus sale. A wonderful piece of US Navy history. This US Navy bell is in very well preserved condition overall, scratches and oxidation are exhibited throughout from normal wear, a rich patina noted as well. Measures approximately 10" x 10."