~ Union Castle R.M.M.V Stirling Castle Nautical Table Bell c1960 ~
A Nautical bell bearing the enamel badge of the Union Castle ship “R.M.M.V Stirling Castle”.
The bell is cast on bronze with the top is formed as a ships wheel with the enamel badge affixed to one side. The inside of the bell is marked “Made in England”.
~ Dimensions ~
The bell stands at 3.5 inches (9cm) high. The mouth has a diameter of 2 inches (5cm). This bell weighs 115g.
~ Condition ~
The bell is in good vintage condition. The enamel badge is bright and clear. This bell has its clapper.
~ R.M.M.V Stirling Castle ~
RMMV Stirling Castle was an ocean liner of the Union-Castle Line in service from the 1930s to the 1960s, primarily on the Southampton to Cape Town route.
Named after Stirling Castle in Scotland, she was built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast, and launched July 1935. She left Southampton on her maiden voyage on 7 February 1936. In August of that year, Stirling Castle set a new record for the route, reaching Table Bay in 13 days 9 hours, beating the previous record of 14 days, 18 hours, and 57 minutes set by SS Scot in 1893.
During World War II, Stirling Castle was used as a troopship, returning to passenger service in 1946. She was broken up in Japan in 1966.