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BELL
BELL

BELL

Datec. 20th century
Dimensions33 x 22 x 16 cm (13 x 8 11/16 x 6 5/16 in.) Other (Chain): 77 cm (30 5/16 in.)
Object numberHF.2015.19.240
DescriptionA large cast iron, wall mounted bell. The base is shaped like a bull’s head and the antlers stretch up to support the sides of the bell. Four large metal railway "switch" locks have been locked around the antlers - one on the right and three on the left. The lock to the right has a long chain attached to it which connects to the last lock on the left. The middle lock on the left also has a chain unattached at the end. Three of the four locks have a rectangular shaped plate covering the keyhole on which is “CNR” in raised letters. The bell is connected to a horizontal support with an eye-hook bolt. The clapper inside the bell attaches to the eyehook and has a bulbous end. At the base of the clapper is a braided piece of orange-red yarn. The top edge of the bell has “Mexico” in raised letters.
Narrative
This style of bell is mounted to the wall and used for to call people to dinner. In this particular circumstance, it also appears to have doubled as an ideal place to store railway switch locks. Switch locks were used to secure railway switches, signals and other rail company property and equipment. It's unknown how these locks came to be on this bell and without any keys to open the locks, together they make a unique item.