This Fine Example Has Been Sold as a Christmas Gift To Former Sec. of the Navy!   VERY RARE U.S. NAVY CEREMONIAL BELL  Ca 1950   Gold Plated Bronze Presented is a 1950's "Foredeck" bell complete with original clapper and bracket. We believe it was gold plated for use in Naval ceremonies. It was purchased by the last owner at a sale held by the Alameda Naval Air Station 15 years ago. It comes complete with a dark oval wood base and a fancy macramé bell rope. The bell is marked with a “US” on its front which dates it as being the latest design of this type bell which was introduced in the 1950's. The bracket is smoothly finished and shows no roughness or casting imperfections that are common to most Navy bells of this design. The clapper is larger and longer than usual. The bracket and the bell were Gold plated to produce a jewelry like finish.                      3/4 Left Side view                      3/4 Right Side view There is nothing comparable to the sound of a Navy bell. The use of a special "bell metal" formula produces a clear, sharp ring and sets up a strong reverberation that has a strong resonance that once heard will never be forgotten. Cheap imitations can never achieve this distinctive ring because "bell metal" is a specially formulated bronze alloy, unique to the Navy for this highly specialized use.   Navy Bells have become very scarce. The vertical inverted “J” bracket requires that they be mounted on a pedestal or deck, hence they are known as anchor or foredeck bells.                              Looking down shows detail of fancy bell rope DIMENSIONS: BELL: Diameter at crown 4 7/8" Diameter at mouth 10" Height to crown 6 3/4" Height overall 16 1/2" OVAL WOOD STAND: 16" L x 11 3/4" D x 3/4" T  Weight: 30 1/2 pounds   CONDITION: Gold plated and polished, but not lacquered. The bell's gold surface has pitted and it should be re-plated if the price of Gold comes back to a reasonable level. Otherwise, it is not objectionable from a distance. At its back top, there is a lead area  about 1 1/4 square which does not seem to serve any purpose since the inside of the bell shows no evidence of any damage. The lead has been touched-up with Gold paint. The bracket is free of imperfections except on its base where there is some pitting and the left corner's plating has worn off with the bronze showing through. The ring is sharp and clear which resonates and makes a strong vibration.                            Back of bell shows 1 1/4“ gold painted area An outstanding example of a rare Gold plated US Navy bell.  It is perfect for ceremonial use or a special collection. The stand makes it ideal for display or as a presentation! 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 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, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, St. Maarten, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean. 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. ACCEPTED 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. No credit cards or PayPal accepted on big ticket items. Copyright 2012 - 2011 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved