Inherited this bell from grandparents' century farm in Iowa, and I am confident it was there at least 60 years. It is 181/2 " and was welded on top where bell attaches to cradle.
We are considering cleaning with wire brush. My has and wants to paint it black, but I don't think we should mess much with an antique. What do you think? Any history you can share that would help me understand what I inherited?