Large Bell I.D ( Found washed up in Mobile Bay Ala. Dated 1818) or ( ISIS )

lamarc

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Dec 8, 2005
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I found this bell washed up in Mobile Bay Ala. after Hurricane Katrina it measure 8" tall an the width at the bottom is 8-!/2 wide. The bell has some strange marking at the bottom with the marking's facing different way's dated 1818.
 

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Re: Large Bell I.D ( Found washed up in Mobile Bay Ala. Dated 1818)

lamarc said:
wesfrye53 said:
Well, regardless of what everybody is posting about it's history, it's an AWESOME find!
I am leaning more to the shipwreck isis on the bell, question did someone own the bell before I found it, an did it lost again during Hurricane Katrina??????

No its a similar looking bell but not the same, however I think my gut was right???
 

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Re: Large Bell I.D ( Found washed up in Mobile Bay Ala. Dated 1818)

CRUSADER said:
lamarc said:
wesfrye53 said:
Well, regardless of what everybody is posting about it's history, it's an AWESOME find!
I am leaning more to the shipwreck isis on the bell, question did someone own the bell before I found it, an was it lost again during Hurricane Katrina??????

No its a similar looking bell but not the same, however I think my gut was right???
The symbols on the bottom mean something ?????
 

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The warning bells are going off in my head (Pun Intended!).

If the bell were of any age, the iron would've been heavily encrusted or even totally gone.

Also, seeing the E-bay photos of a bell of the same style with similar markings...


Hmmm. I think the odds are against it, but perhaps it could still be something old.
 

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Re: Large Bell I.D ( Found washed up in Mobile Bay Ala. Dated 1818) or ( ISIS

BuckleBoy said:
The warning bells are going off in my head (Pun Intended!).

If the bell were of any age, the iron would've been heavily encrusted or even totally gone.

Also, seeing the E-bay photos of a bell of the same style with similar markings...


Hmmm. I think the odds are against it, but perhaps it could still be something old.
It was till I cleaned it up still alot of crusty in the bottom
 

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Here is an ISIS in this book I have
It's listed as a Sidewheel Steamer , 130 tons , built in 1837 , burned Jan 3 , 1842 , Tampa , Fla.
 

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Re: Large Bell I.D ( Found washed up in Mobile Bay Ala. Dated 1818) or ( ISIS

mojjax said:
Here is an ISIS in this book I have
It's listed as a Sidewheel Steamer , 130 tons , built in 1837 , burned Jan 3 , 1842 , Tampa , Fla.
What is it doing in Mobile bay Ala. Thanks it is being narrowed down. ? No wonder why a antique bell collector e-mailed a week later an told me he would give me 800.00 for the bell?????????
 

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Re: Large Bell I.D ( Found washed up in Mobile Bay Ala. Dated 1818)

lamarc said:
wesfrye53 said:
Well, regardless of what everybody is posting about it's history, it's an AWESOME find!
I am leaning more to the shipwreck isis on the bell, question did someone own the bell before I found it, an did it lost again during Hurricane Katrina??????

I do not believe the bell is a ship's bell from the ISIS off Tampa Bay in the 1800's, if it is from a ship called the ISIS, I would be more likely to conclude it came from the one that wrecked off Crescent Beach Florida, which was salvaged, but not totally, but if so, then I would say IF the bell is from that ISIS, and there seems to have been a few ships named ISIS over the years, than it most likely was being displayed outside someone's residence in some manner, that lived along the Gulf Coast and the hurricane decided it was time for a new owner.

I have no idea if it is even a ship's bell, or one of several on a ship, I do believe the crown type bell is not particually old, since I seen on the web that style used for mission bells around the turn of the 20th century, and if it is from the ISIS off Crescent Beach Fl than the oldest the bell could be is 1902 when it was built.

Also, maybe the clapper can help date the bell, also I do believe it is showing ISIS and not 1818.

http://www.staugustinelighthouse.com/exh_florida_isis.php

Regardless, I am sure positive ID will be forthcoming but finding the bell is still a super find, and another great display item.

Don
 

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:o Whoa, what have i started?

It very well could say 1818, but looks more like the word "ISIS" to me. That could be just how the numbers were cast, i dont know?

I saw the seperate update thread and a comparison to the marking on the bell and ISIS's headdress.

I'm sorry, but i see no similarity in these shapes. The bell shapes look like the end of dog bones if that indeed are the shapes you were refering to.

Really cool bell, and a nice mystery to boot!

Hope it all comes to light? :)

isis.jpg


index.jpg
 

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Re: Large Bell I.D ( Found washed up in Mobile Bay Ala. Dated 1818)

Don in SJ said:
lamarc said:
wesfrye53 said:
Well, regardless of what everybody is posting about it's history, it's an AWESOME find!
I am leaning more to the shipwreck isis on the bell, question did someone own the bell before I found it, an did it lost again during Hurricane Katrina??????

I do not believe the bell is a ship's bell from the ISIS off Tampa Bay in the 1800's, if it is from a ship called the ISIS, I would be more likely to conclude it came from the one that wrecked off Crescent Beach Florida, which was salvaged, but not totally, but if so, then I would say IF the bell is from that ISIS, and there seems to have been a few ships named ISIS over the years, than it most likely was being displayed outside someone's residence in some manner, that lived along the Gulf Coast and the hurricane decided it was time for a new owner.
I have no idea if it is even a ship's bell, or one of several on a ship, I do believe the crown type bell is not particually old, since I seen on the web that style used for mission bells around the turn of the 20th century, and if it is from the ISIS off Crescent Beach Fl than the oldest the bell could be is 1902 when it was built.

Also, maybe the clanger can help date the bell, also I do believe it is showing ISIS and not 1818.

http://www.staugustinelighthouse.com/exh_florida_isis.php

Regardless, I am sure positive ID will be forthcoming but finding the bell is still a super find, and another great display item.

Don


Thanks Don, if I just find what the marking at the bottom meant, It would tell the story. I have been digging for 42years an have found several super rare Conf: plates an getting them I.D to the regiment, but the bell puzzled me more than anything. Lamar[/b][/color][/b][/color]
 

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Re: Large Bell I.D ( Found washed up in Mobile Bay Ala. Dated 1818)

frogwizard said:
Help to identify "1818" Bell
by Bellman on Tue Apr 01, 2008 12:43 am

I saw a bell recently on ebay and they claim it is 190 years old.



It is described as follows: VERY ORNATE SOLID BRASS Dated "1818" on one side.. with a Floral Bird Feathers Motif... AWESOME PETINA~.. VERY HEAVY Approx 5 Pounds~!!....Stands 6-1/4" Tall to tip of Odd Handle/Hanger.. Bell has a 4-1/2" Diameter opening.

Just wondering if I passed up on a great buy. I think it sold for about $75. Does anybody know anything about it?

Thanks!Bellman
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Re: Help to identify "1818" Bell
by gmiddleton on Tue Apr 01, 2008 2:09 pm

I'm not sure where I saw it, it's been a while.

However I believe I recall an article about this very bell design and how there are a lot of fakes of it being sold to deceive for profit. Unless you know what to look for, be very careful of it.gmiddleton
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Re: Help to identify "1818" Bell
by admin on Sun Apr 06, 2008 12:35 pm

Hi Bellman, you have a bell that belongs to a group of bells that I have been researching for years. They first appeared in the USA around the 1950s in Chicago. They range in size from 2 inch high to over 18 inches and the dates range from 1806 to 1821. They are still made in at least two locations in Mexico and are big sellers to the tourist trade. The large looping crown is made from bent solid bar and secured to the top of the bell, after the bell was cast. Probably chemicals were put on it to age the surface. These are found almost every month in one size or another. What are they worth? only as much as you pay for it.
Max Kurillo

This response was originally sent to the ABA's Internet Coordinator. Responses are opinions of individuals based on their personal research and knowledge.admin
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Re: Help to identify "1818" Bell
by 12tmra6 on Sun Apr 06, 2008 5:56 pm

Hi, You were very wise to pass on this bell. Lora12tmra6
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Re: Help to identify "1818" Bell
by gmiddleton on Fri Apr 11, 2008 1:56 pm

Ha! i notice that yet another one of the same design is being advertised on e-bay right now !
Great research frogwizard.

BuckleBoy said:
The warning bells are going off in my head (Pun Intended!).

If the bell were of any age, the iron would've been heavily encrusted or even totally gone.

Also, seeing the E-bay photos of a bell of the same style with similar markings...


Hmmm. I think the odds are against it, but perhaps it could still be something old.
Great find but the first thing I noticed was the iron, but didnt want to say. It must not have been in a saltwater environment very long. Elther way still a great find and keep researching.
 

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Re: Large Bell I.D Ccloser look at the date or name

Here is a closer look at the date or name, notice the coral buildup up under the bell, when found the bell was covered with it.
 

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Some very experienced shipwreck divers frequent the "shipwreck" section. Posting it there would make your find available to more members that may not see it in the "what is it" section.

The brass has nice green patina but the chain is very well preserved for a saltwater environment.

ADDED: OK I see that you have posted it. ;D
 

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Re: Large Bell I.D ( Found washed up in Mobile Bay Ala. Dated 1818) or ( ISIS

bigcypresshunter said:
Some very experienced shipwreck divers frequent the "shipwreck" section. Posting it there would make your find available to more members that may not see it in the "what is it" section.

The brass has nice green patina but the chain is very well preserved for a saltwater environment.

ADDED: OK I see that you have posted it. ;D
I noticed the chain the only thing I could figure maybe it was on shore for a long period of time, been a big mystery for me.
 

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Re: Large Bell I.D ( Found washed up in Mobile Bay Ala. Dated 1818) or ( ISIS

True_Metal said:
:o Whoa, what have i started?

It very well could say 1818, but looks more like the word "ISIS" to me. That could be just how the numbers were cast, i dont know?

I saw the seperate update thread and a comparison to the marking on the bell and ISIS's headdress.

I'm sorry, but i see no similarity in these shapes. The bell shapes look like the end of dog bones if that indeed are the shapes you were refering to.

Really cool bell, and a nice mystery to boot!

Hope it all comes to light? :)

isis.jpg


index.jpg
Just a thought
 

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Timekiller solved another thread when he found this information on these bells and I thought I would add it to this thread. Im not sure if it applies but may be of help. 1810? 1818? ???
http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php?topic=453680.msg3216323#msg3216323




"Here's the smoking gun on these bells for me.Early 1920's made in Mexico.Case solved. (I WILL SAY AFTER KNOWING WHAT TO LOOK FOR THE PRICES & DATES SEEM TO BE ALL OVER THE PLACE ON WHEN THEY SAY THEY WERE MADE.AND I HAVE YET TO FIND ONE LIKE MINE WITH THE EAGLE)
Take Care,
Pete,
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthoped...mexican-bronze-bell-dated-1810-nice

These bells were cast to commemorat Mexico's Independence from Spain in 1810 "
QUOTE TIMEKILLER
 

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