This Very Interesting Bell Has Been Sold. Thank you! VERY RARE WW II U.S. NAVY FOREDECK BELL From the Family of a WW II US Naval Aviator since 1945 Presented is as interesting a Naval bell as you will ever see. It has a sixty seven year old patina in vary shades of Green that make an unusual and dramatic appearance that can not be duplicated. It also has its original mounting shoe which adds to its completeness and its authenticity. It has been mounted on a hard wood stand for display and a proper white macramé bell rope of the period is included. It comes complete with all its original parts which sets it a part from other bells that have survived, but are missing them such as: Original Clapper Original Mounting Shoe Original special one piece brass nut CRACK AT NECK: It is unusual for a bell of this type to have survived the years with all these parts present. And in this case, there is an untold story in how the clapper's shaft became twisted which may have been the cause of a crack in the neck of the inverted "J" bracket. We considered having the crack brazed, but then the very special patina would be lost so we tested the strength of the bracket at its neck and feel the crack is stable and that the bell will not fall off. In the highly unlikely chance it does, we will have it fixed, replaced with a like bell, or issue a refund. The price has been reduced $400.00 to take this into account. HARD TO FIND:U.S. Navy bells of this unique design are becoming very scarce, and those of this era 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. IN ALL OUR YEARS OF SELLING BELLS THIS IS THE FIRST WE'VE SEEN WITH THIS UNUSUAL PATINATION 3/4 right front side view 3/4 left rear side view Side view of this magnificent bell Bronze deck shoe Crack at neck and one piece nut and washer DIMENSIONS: BELL: Diameter at crown 6" Diameter at mouth 9 1/2" Height to crown 17" Height overall 17" WOOD STAND: 16" L x 12" W x 5/8" T Weight: 34 1/2 pounds CONDITION: The bracket has a crack at the neck as discussed above which we feel is stable. The inside of the bell shows flattening where the clapper hit the edge showing this bell has served at sea. There few if any foundry casting imperfections on the bell. The shaft of the clapper is twisted from some unknown occurrence likely due to the same reason the crack occurred. Outstanding resonate ring and strong vibration. This unique and rare US Navy bell is will make a wonderful gift, presentation piece or for a collection that includes only the finest. The stand makes it ideal for display! SHIPPING & INSURED PACKING by FedEx Ground to the 48 contiguous States, $60.00 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 within the continental United States 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, Republic of 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, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, St. Maarten, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean. ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. Our prices are quoted net to seller, but credit cards may be accepted through PayPal for verified members by special arrangement.                                   Copyright 2013 by Land And Sea Collection™. All Rights Reserved.