Anyone collect cast iron bells?

USAFpj · Mar 3, 2016

I saw a pretty neat cast iron farm bell out at the flea market, and just had to have it:laughing:. It's missing the 'upright' which holds it from underneath the bell, but has all the other important parts. After doing some Googlin', I'm still trying to identify the maker. The Yoke has "USA 2" stamped on it, but the bell itself has no markings. Any ideas? Also, if you have an extra old upright support for a number 2 bell, let me know.

JRobyn · Mar 3, 2016

I inherited this one from my dad. Not cast iron, but aluminum, I think. IIRC, an old railroad man gave it to him, so it was probably originally on some old locomotive. Dad had painted the bell black and the frame JD green

so wife had her brother sandblast the frame and repaint black and polish the bell.

mjarrels · Mar 3, 2016

I have a nice one stamped USN.

mark, USN Retired

George2615 · Mar 3, 2016

I found a little info and a video about the bell. Think they were made by C S Bell company. Quite a few on fleabay and other auction sites. From what I read they were mainly used for schools and churches. Bottom link is a yoke support. If interested contact the seller for measurements to see if it fits your bell.

History of C.S.Bell and Hillsboro, Ohio

Where is the crystal metal bell foundry

Cast Iron Vintage Dinner Bell Yoke Cradle School Metal Church | eBay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezi8KdX4AZ8&feature=youtu.be

Ed of all trades · Mar 3, 2016

I had one until I sold some rail road ties to an insurance salesman. When the ties left so did the bell. It had been in the family for several generations but......... Ed

USAFpj · Mar 3, 2016

Thanks, George! Yeah Ed, I came home from the flea market upset with myself for having a $100 impulse and buying it. Then when I was looking on C-list and Ebay for the 'uprights' to make it complete, I was blown away at the prices. Ed, an original and complete bell with solid markings is fetching over a thousand dollars...