Value of an 1886 Hillsboro O Bell?

[JimBergmann]

Could someone give me an idea of a Bell we are donating to our church? The bell is 10" high and 20" at the bottom of the skirt. It is engraved "1886, Hillsboro O" . I assume it is cast iron. It weighs about 90 pounds - not counting the mounting brackets. The bell was used at a rural schoolhouse in Tennessee until about 1980 when the schoolhouse was demolished and my in-laws acquired it. It has been in our family ever since.

Bell Close up.jpg

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Bell in Tower 1.jpg

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Hopefully the photos I've tried to attach will help. Thanks

[kcoonen]

I am curious about the electric powered actuator tied to the clapper...
...is that home-made?...connected to a timer?...why did you go that route?
Any bell brought back into "service" is, in my view, a success story to be shared!
Thanks for sharing yours.
KC

[JimBergmann]

Thanks for the value guidence. Sort of disappointing to learn that the value is so much less than the cost of the housing structure or even the bronze donation placque!! Anyway, it's being put to a good use. The reason for the electric ringing actuator: The church is in a resort area of Central Oregon. The bell had to be fully protected from annual snow and it was not feasible to put it on the existing church roof. Also, it had to be located so that no one could ring it except at the designated times - (an exposed rope would have resulted in bell ringing in the middle of nights). The actuator was secured from Church Bell Ministries Co. of Jonesboro, TN., Dave Smith, Owner/President/Engineer/Employee (not exactly a competitor of General Electric Corp.) A local engineer is tweeking the connections. A computer will be programed to ring it at "designated times" and it can also be rung manually from a doorbell button next to the computer in the church office.
There's more than you probably wanted to know!!
Jim

[Prindle Station Bells]

Jim,
Congratulations on your beautiful restoration. The bell and assembly would make C.S. Bell smile. He offered a durable product with absolute satisfaction and your bell confirms it. We would give your bell a value of $500.00 to $600.00. The #4 bell has not been made for years and most of the assembly is completely out of production. Only the Upright pair can be purchased today and they are $320.00. Good Work on a beautiful bell.
Sandra Wilson
Prindle Station Bells
P.O. Box 347
22 Prindle Road
Washougal, WA 98671
360.837.3899
bells@prindlestation.com
http://www.prindlestation.com

[JimBergmann]

Thanks! Very helpful. AND: you can drive south 150 miles on Hwy 97 & see it in action soon. There's a little more tweeking required for the electrical & we've decided to put a copper roof over it!