Often when restoring a historic church or school, a large bronze bell is needed for the bell tower...

Often when restoring a historic church or school, a large bronze bell is needed for the bell tower. The bells are difficult to find because many have been sold as scrap and melted, and others are too heavy to be moved for a reasonable price. But a vintage bell is often less expensive than a new one. A bronze bell that sold a few years ago had the name “Vanduzen and Tift” molded into the metal. It identifies a Cincinnati maker, a partnership founded in 1837. The partners made top-quality bells during the 19th century. The bell that sold was also molded with a date, which was worn but appeared to be 1864. A four-digit number on a cast-bronze bell indicates the year of the casting. The mold for a cast bell can be used only once. The mold is broken to get the bell out after it cools. If a small bell is marked with a date, it is probably a design patent because the mold can be reused. Vintage bells of all sizes often need to be cleaned or restored. A cast-bronze bell should not be painted. Once it’s cleaned, it should be left to develop its natural patina.

This 13-inch-high bronze bell sold for $823 at a Garth’s auction in Delaware, Ohio. Its presale estimate was $1,500 to $3,000. The name “Vanduzen and Tift” and the date 1864 are cast into the bell.