Collectors of antique brass bells can find a variety of on-line auction sites nowadays. Before you purchase from an on-line auction site collectors need to inspect the description and the photos provided to help ensure their authenticity. There are also many regular online stores that sell brass bells, like “A Simpler Time“.

If you doubt the authenticity of a bell, then you may want to have another collector or even an appraiser examine the bell to determine its value. EBay is one of the more reliable auction sites or most anything you may collect. You might try networking with other collectors with the same interest were willing to give you advice.

You need to remember that antique brass bells may tarnish and you will need to know how to properly clean them to avoid damage. There are a variety of cleaners that are designed to remove torn, but, these cleaners should not be used on a regular basis because they may cause damage to the finish. Otherwise, use a soft damp cloth if there is no tarnish and you might even use a little lemon juice on a rare occasion.

The age of the brass bell can be figured out by the thickness of the walls and the diameter of the bell. You will discover the school bells and fire bells are larger compared to form those and dinner bells. School bells are as large as 28 inches and fire bells are known to be larger than 30 inches. The thickness of the walls of the bell can also determine what type of bell it is. School bells were usually than church or fire bells. This gave them a special sound.

Determining if your bell is a farm bell can be difficult. The authenticity may be figured out through the softening of the casting edge, which will show more wear around the edges. Another clue is that antique bells were cast as one piece while modern bells are made from a two-part mold.

If you are an avid collector you know the having your antiques appraised is important so that you can get them insured. No collectors usually have several questions about figuring out the value of their antique. The best way is to have it professional appraise the item. You might check out the American Bell Association has a website where collectors can post pictures of bells and request the determination of its value.

Whether you collect brass bells, wood propellers or tin lake house signs should get them appraised and insured to protect yourself.

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Tags: brass bell, brass bells, lake house signs, wood propellers

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