~ Bronze Ships Bell From A44 1915 German Torpedo Boat ~
This is a relatively small but heavy bronze ships bell.
The bell is inscribed to the front with the name ‘A44’ over the launch date '1915', there are two black lines inscribed around the bell above and below the lettering.
The rest of the bell is plain.
The bell comes with its original clapper and a later rope pull.
There is a letter from the Ministry Of Defence, dated 20th September 1972, saying '...I cannot be definite about the ship's bell from A 44 but incline to agree with you that it is from the German T.B. of that number' and further details of the vessel.
It looks right to me too.
A44 was surrendered at the end of the First World War and stricken between 1920-1921.
~ A Class Torpedo Boats ~
The A class torpedo boats were a class of German single-funnelled torpedo boat/light destroyer designed by the Marineamt for operations off the coast of occupied Flanders in the First World War. The A designation was to avoid confusion with older classes and designs.
Six groups of vessels were built under the class between 1914 and 1918, increasing in displacement from 109 tons to 335 tons. All had a raised forecastle, shallow draught, and carried 45 cm (18 in) torpedo tubes amidships.
~ Dimensions ~
The bell is 8 inches (20.5 cm) tall and has a base diameter of 8 inches (20cm). It weighs 6.330 Kg.
~ Condition ~
The bell is in good condition. There is surface wear, such as scratching, dings and some oxide, especially inside the bell as befits its active use.
