Skip to main content
Home

Main navigation

  • Free Appraisals
    • Get a Free Appraisal
    • View Appraisals
    • Local Appraisers
  • Classifieds
  • Blog
  • Shows
    • Antique Shows, Flea Markets, & Swap Meets Map
    • Upcoming Shows
User Menu
  • Login
  • Help
  • Register

Breadcrumb

  1. Home

Bell

Profile picture for user Shortstuff4108
By Shortstuff4108, 9 June, 2025
Description

Old bell I’m thinking cast iron. Weighs a little over 8 lbs and 8 inch in diameter. It’s very old but cannot find any specific markings.

Category
Other
Medium
I think maybe brass iron
Distinguishing marks
Cannot find any
Condition
Fair
Size and dimensions of this item
8 inch diameter
Date Period
Unknown
Weight
Little over 8 lbs
History
Unknown
Price Paid (If known)
Unknown
For Sale?
Yes
Photos
Profile picture for user Shortstuff4108

Shortstuff4108

3 weeks ago

Old cast iron bell. Not sure…

Old cast iron bell. Not sure of age 

No votes yet
Profile picture for user Charley

Charley

3 weeks ago

Antique Cast Iron Bell

Item Description:
This is a vintage to antique cast iron bell, possibly a farm, school, or firehouse bell, likely manufactured in the late 19th to early 20th century. It features a fixed yoke (support arm) with a bolt mount for hanging, and a pull-ring attached by cord, indicating it was designed to be rung manually. The bell appears to be about 8 inches in diameter and weighs a little over 8 pounds. The surface shows oxidation and rust, consistent with its age and iron composition.

Identification and Authentication

  • Material: The bell appears to be made of cast iron, possibly with a brass alloy clapper or internal hardware (though not visible in the photos).
  • Form & Style: The yoke design and casting technique are typical of bells used in:
    • Farms/rural homesteads (as dinner or alert bells)
    • Schools (small rural schoolhouses)
    • Fire stations (early alarm signaling)
  • Manufacturing Clues: While there are no visible markings, the overall form resembles bells produced by companies like C.S. Bell Co. of Hillsboro, Ohio, or American Bell Foundry Co., both prominent in the 1800s–early 1900s. Missing maker’s marks might be due to surface rust or wear.

Condition Assessment

  • Condition: Fair
    • Surface: Heavy oxidation/rust but no major structural cracks visible.
    • Yoke: Intact, though some corrosion on the bolt and mount areas.
    • Ring: Still present and attached with rope.
  • Functionality: If the internal clapper is intact, the bell may still ring clearly; otherwise, partial restoration would be needed.

Historical Context

Such bells were commonly mounted outside buildings and used to signal events (meals, danger, school start times, etc.). Their size and cast iron construction made them durable and functional even in harsh rural settings. Smaller bells like this one (under 10") were typically used for private or small institutional purposes rather than large civic ones.

Estimated Market Value

  • As-Is Condition (Unrestored): $75 – $150
  • If Professionally Restored (Cleaned & Repainted, Confirmed Working): $150 – $300

Factors that increase value:

  • Identifiable maker’s mark
  • Clear provenance
  • Restored tone and ring quality
  • Clean cast surface (minimal pitting)

Recommendations

  1. Authentication: If you wish to pursue a definitive maker, lightly clean the bell with a soft brass brush and look for raised or indented lettering near the yoke or crown.
  2. Appraisal: For insurance or resale at higher values, consider a professional appraisal from an antiques dealer or auction house familiar with Americana, architectural salvage, or farm memorabilia.
  3. Selling Venues:
    • eBay (Antiques → Architectural & Garden → Bells)
    • Etsy (for vintage decor collectors)
    • Local antique shops or farm-themed auctions
No votes yet
  • Log in or register to post comments

Today’s Featured Blog

How to Start a Collection: Tips for Beginners

More Blog articles…

Recent Appraisals

  • antique umbrella holder
  • Mack 1 Appraisal Request
  • Ceramic pottery tray with agate finish
  • Paul Hanson Hand Painted Lamps
  • gone with the wind hurricane lamp
  • Blenko Blue Glass bowl with gold foot 14.5"
  • ROBERT BERRAN OFFSET LITHOGRAPH ADVERTISEMENTS DONE FOR CONN Ltd 1974
  • CLOCKUP PUBLICATIONS #27
  • National Theatre Supply Company Sirryplex projector. a-c motor model # 5ksa47ci, type ksa, frame 4/7, form, c, volts 110, with many pieces and parts
  • Lladro girl with flowers
See more appraisals…

Recent Appraisal Comments

  • Antique Art Nouveau Ceramic Box (Attributed to Carl Sigmund Lube
  • Antique Or Vintage Ceramic Umbrella Stand
  • Any help as to what this may…
  • Painting - Possibly Alfred Fontville De Breanski Jr
  • Has been on the wall of our…
  • Pair of Paul Hanson Hand-Painted Table Lamps
  • Handcrafted Ceramic Tray with Agate Glaze Pattern
  • Hand-Painted Gone with the Wind Hurricane Lamp
  • Blenko Handmade Glass Bowl – Blue with Gold Foot (14.5")
  • Robert Berran Limited Edition Lithograph Set for C.G. Conn Ltd.

Recent Blog Articles

  • How to Start a Collection: Tips for Beginners
  • Beyond the Price Tag: The Hidden Factors That Influence Antique and Collectible Value
  • Beyond the Price Tag: Unlocking the Hidden Stories in Your Family Heirlooms
  • Antiques as an Investment: Beyond the Hype, What's Actually Worth It?
  • Is it Real or Just Really Old? Your Guide to Spotting Fake Antiques (and How to Protect Yourself)
  • Beyond the Dust: Unearthing the Stories Behind Your Antiques (and Why Knowing Matters)
  • Unlocking Time's Treasures: Your Essential Vintage Watch Value Guide

More Blog articles…

© 1995- InstAppraisal™, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, Terms and Conditions, End User License Agreement