Lot #199 - Chesapeake & Ohio Brass Steam Locomotive Bell

 

mi06 Railroad Chesapeake & Ohio Size 18" base diameter, 13" tall   Condition Good   It takes at least 2 guys to lift it. It has an 18" base diameter. It was originally mounted above the smokebox door on a steam locomotive. The original 1" thick steel mounting plate is attached. It is currently resting on two pieces of lumber in a red/brown painted cradle. The ringer is present but you can't ring it because it rests on the two pieces of lumber. I could find no obvious markings on the bell itself. I did not take it apart for a closer look. It has a modern presentation plaque stating that it is from the Chesapeake & Ohio.  This bell was donated by the C&O to "Cathedral of the Pines" in New Hampshire. Cathedral of the Pines is a non-denominational sanctuary that was created by a New Hampshire family after WWII. The family lost 2 sons in the war and they wanted a contemplative place for anyone to come and enjoy. There is a great view of Mt Manadnock from Cathedral of the Pines. The family also made requests to various railroads for bells to display in one specific spot. Railfans and collectors to this day remember the group of 8 bells. This was one of them.  I think this is off of a Greenbrier. My research (really a friend) has shown this type of mounting plate on just the 4-8-4 locomotives. The C&O used top mount bells on many other classes. If I am wrong about this, please speak up. I don't know if I can deliver this beast to Gaithersburg. Please let me know what your requirements are before leaving an absentee bid. You get the bell, mounting bracket and the brown painted frame. The dolly in the picture stays here and is not included.    Return to Auction Listing copyright Scott Czaja 2011