*British, WW2, A.R.P. Handbell, Made by James Barwell Ltd. Marked J.B. 39 Fiddian, Dated 1939*
Marked J.B. 39 and Fiddian: J.B. 39 (1939) the trademark used by James Barwell Ltd. on brass goods. Samuel Fiddian sold his business to James Barwell in 1840.
Marked A.R.P on the brass rim – Air Raid Precautions
This is an original handbell used by ARP officers during WW2 during the blitz to signal ‘all clear’ to the local population after an air raid.
Air Raid Precautions (ARP) was an organization in the United Kingdom set up as an aid in the prelude to the Second World War dedicated to the protection of civilians from the danger of air-raids. It was created in 1924 as a response to the fears about the growing threat from the development of bomber aircraft. According to Air Raid Precaution Handbook No.8, The Duties of Air Raid Wardens: “The cancellation of the local gas warning will be by hand bells, rung through the streets of the [warden’s] sector. Hand bells may also be used to repeat the Raiders Passed signal but only if gas is not about. Hand bells will in fact be an “All Clear” signal, which is different from the Raiders Passed signal, since the latter will be sounded on receipt of the message from the national center, whether or not there is gas in the locality.“
*Condition*
This bell is in very good condition. There are some minor marks across the surface and a chip to the inside rim. Please see pictures for more detail.
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