What I would like from someone in this thread is some connection to someone in Spain, Portugal, Italy or other possible foundry countries [those being my present top choices of country of origin] so that I might get some real information [not that I don't like your guide dog or his detractors] On that front, I am researching in the dark as many of the foundries focused not on ship's bells, but church bells.
Skream...Since you have been reading the posts, why not simply provide information requested?
1. I have not seen anything from you on the dimensions of the bell. (as reported on this forum, is the bell 8 inches diameter?)
2. Pictures, pictures, pictures. Other than the first picture provide by S6, why not more? You can see the amount of information provided by that, why not images of all of the sides? You can see the amount of information (and speculation) provided by one image, why wont you provide more?
3. Conservation. I am hoping it is in fresh water, it will need to be for a while, and replaced often. There is NO harm in removing the loose ones. This will not remove anything now, that wont be removed later, and wont make a difference on any scan. There are many, many chemicals that can remove calcium deposits, and not affect any metal. (a professional restoration expert has already commented on this, and you can see his exemplary work). At this point, it should probably be in electrolysis. Again, I cannot understand your resistance to conservation methods (that will have to be done anyways).
4. Have a job or not, it has been an extended time since the original posts, and you are asking for help in the id. More than about time for more information and more pictures.
"If these people were claiming that this bell had hung around the neck of the Loch Ness monster it would be about as credible," says Portuguese archaeologist Felipe Castro, now at Texas A&M University."
For my 2 cents worth...look for a Dutch origin. (pattern look familiar?)
