East India Company Ships Bell

Lead bronze ships bell, cast for the east India company in Jacarta. Decorated to front and rear with an armorial of two rampant oriental dragons supporting a crowned crest Inscribed VOC 1602. Further decorated with five point stars to each side and scrollwork to the top and bottom of the bells body. The generous hanging ring above a stepped mounting. This bell has its original clapper.

D: 9” 23cm
H: 15” 38cm
Historical note: The east India company was founded in 1602 all VOC ships carried these bells which were rung as time pieces at midday and at every half hour after measured on a sand glass.