This Unique Bell Has Been Sold.
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RARE U.S. NAVY QUARTERDECK - BRIDGE BRONZE BELL From 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..

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.

3/4 front view of bell and bracket

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.

SHIPPING & PACKING: The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, is an additional charge. You may email us to get these costs. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling.

OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt in its original packaging if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the return is required. Shipping charges are  included in this offer if an error is due to our fault.

International buyers welcome, but should know their counties' import laws and must inquire first.  We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

STANDARD FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. Our prices are qquoted net to us so that the use of credit cards or PayPal incur extra charges. Terms on overseas sales are different. 

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