This bell was found on the west coast of South America (Southern Chile). It was under the ocean for many years and some of the raised inscription is very hard to read. First word of first line is JOHN with 5 or 6 letters after it. The second line is clear LONDON The third line is 1545 or 1645 with the 4 being backwards and the 5 or 6 fairly eroded.
I sent a photo to one of the British Maritime Museaums and they said it was too old for a 1800's Bell. It is 13 1/4" diameter at the bottom, 13 1/4" high and weighs 25 lbs.
It is quite similar to the Santa Maria Bell (Columbus Bell) The hole on the side seems to be from the clapper hitting and either embrittiling or wearing thin. Any thoughts on what methods could make the last word of the top line or the second letter of the date readable would be appreciated.
I sent a photo to one of the British Maritime Museaums and they said it was too old for a 1800's Bell. It is 13 1/4" diameter at the bottom, 13 1/4" high and weighs 25 lbs.
It is quite similar to the Santa Maria Bell (Columbus Bell) The hole on the side seems to be from the clapper hitting and either embrittiling or wearing thin. Any thoughts on what methods could make the last word of the top line or the second letter of the date readable would be appreciated.