Nautical Collectibles

Ships Bell

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 broght to a high degree of quality in China. Begining in the Middle Ages of Europe, bells were used by religous 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 ounce 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 is still in use today as it was as early 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.