The ships bell has for centuries been used for alarms, signaling and keeping time. All of these being important in the daily routine aboard an ocean vessel.
History
First developed during the Bronze Age, bells cast in metal were brought to a high degree of quality in China. Begining in the Middle Ages of Europe, bells were used by religious orders to signal services and announcements and to regulate activities somewhat like the ships bell was later used on naval vessels.
Keeping Time
Before the chronometer came into use, time on board a ship was measured with a half-hour glass. A sailor was given the duty of turning the glass and sounding a bell each time the glass was turned. From this function came the tradition of striking the bell once on the end of the first half hour of the four hour watch, twice on the hour and so on, until eight bells indicated the end of the four hour watch. The process, of striking the bells, is still in use today as it was as early as the 18th century.
Other Uses for The Ships Bell
Signaling
The ships bell is also used as a signaling device during inclement weather such as fog when a vessel would be hard to see.
Alarm
Used to indicate a fire by ringing the bell quickly for 5 seconds, followed by 1, 2, or 3 strikes to indicate the location of the fire. 1 forward 2 amidships and 3 aft.
Today a great many people have become collectors of the ships bell. They are also widely used in decorating the home or office with a nautical theme. As with all nautical collectibles my favorite way to find them is browsing through the little seaside shops in the coastal areas when time permits. Another great way to find a selection of collectibles are the many sources on the internet, easy and fast from the many online dealers and collectors.
Author Resource:
Visit with me at Nautical Collectibles for information and sources for a wide range of seafaring collectibles.
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