1812 Naval Ships Bell - 19" Across

A "bell metal" ships bell, clearly dated 1812, with triple crown denoting naval use.

Apart from the date there are no other marks, so it is unlikely to be British i.e. no Broad Arrow.

Note that ships bells from this period were usually not named, for example see the real HMS Victory bell on the gundeck. Thats is very plain, undated and with just the broad arrow.

At approximately 19" in diameter, the size is consistent with a major warship. HMS Victory's main bell is also 19 inches across.

Bell metal has a higher tin content than ordinary bronze, giving a more silvery colour but more importantly a superior quality of sound.

The 1812 date is still clearly visible, but has lost some definition due to nearly two centuries of polishing. The clapper appears original and is hand beaten, the mounting strap is rather thin. Generally in very good overall condition.

The rather crude triple crown cannon - of the same age, patina and metal as the chamber - has been hand welded onto the chamber, another sign of its stated age. I wonder if this was an in service repair as the cannons were usually cast in one piece with the rest of the bell?

1812 was an interesting year.

• Napoleon invades Russia
• Russia colonizes California
• Metric system introduced
• The War of 1812, between the United States of America and the British Empire starts

So, in summary a ships bell probably from a major non-British Warship during the height of the Napoleonic Wars.

Further images by request.

24/10/9 Update: Thank you to Mike L. who said he thought the bell was identical to the bell from the captured 1805 French Frigate La Didon, now  held at the Scottish Fisheries museum.

http://www.scotfishmuseum.org/napoleon.html