Found Bell - Information Needed

[smason]

My husband found a bell with "C & G Mears Founders London 1858" stamped on it. I did find on the Internet that Whitechapel foundry produced bells under C & G Mears (Charles and George Mears) from 1844 - 1860. The diameter is 20" and the height is 20". Can someone tell me what kind of bell this is, what is was used for and what the value might be? Thanks for any information you can provide.

[hjlong3]

A bronze bell of this size could have been used as a fire house bell, a school bell or a church bell. Church bells usually have the name of a saint on it. In the States, this would probably have been a schoolhouse bell or a church bell. At this point it would be only speculative as to the original use of this bell.
Harry Long, MD

[smason]

Thanks for the information. The date 1858 stamped on the bell, is that the year it was made? Do you have any idea on the value of this bell? Thanks

[hjlong3]

That is the year that it was made. The value of a bronze bell is as little as scrap value (currently about $0.20/ lb US) to about $100/inch diameter at the lip. Higher values are garnered for bells of historic value.
Harry Long, MD