(…click on any image to enlarge)

These images show three good examples of 1930’s ‘scramble bells’ as used by the RAF
This shows three good examples of typical 1940’s ‘scramble bells’ as used by the RAF

Four images showing the detail of a 1940 crest  and the deep etching that is a characteristic of these bells

These images show a selection of the small markings to be found on bell tops.  Note that one bell is without any markings and another has the store  number too.  This is the only such markings that I have seen.

Three images of clappers.  Hand forged clappers, these show some of the minor variations.
Originally with no paint they are often deeply pitted.

Showing the 1941 bell on the wall hanger. This 1941 bell turned up from its original  ex- RAF owner. It is the only bell that I’ve ever found that came complete with its  matching cast-iron  hanger.

This shows the rarely seen original  steel fixing rings used to secure the bells  to their original mountings. They have usually been removed these days. Note that  even these differ in shape and the side of the bell that the they are fitted to.

‘Plating’ detail images.  These depressions in the bell surface often convince owners that their bells have blemished plating. Study them through a magnifying glass.  Gently take a fine file to them and the surface can be improved.

Two 1941 bells together. I believe  this to be  the only online comparative image  showing both  the standard & the large AM bells standing together.

These  two pictures show bell tops with and without a threaded hole for a supporting eye.

This image shows two very original 1942 bells, one made from brass/bronze and the other silver.

Note that with the change of material the engraving differ slightly. Study these detail shots showing the engraving on the brass/bronze bell

An Air Ministry bell in use, this one is at 54 Squadron’s dispersal at RAF Hornchurch.
We find an  Air Ministry bell still on a station. These self-explanatory images have been kindly offered by the RAF Wyton fire brigade. Are there more RAF stations still with their bell in place?
Unique picture of  three large 1940/42  bells together.
A post war picture taken at RAF Neatishead.
Refer to Observations clause 3 , note the two types of 3 that can be found on 1938  bells
This post-war photograph shows a simple Guardhouse to a wartime RAF station.
When a bell was in this sort of high profile position for long periods the regular  polishing sometimes took its toll, see the wear on this large 1937 bell.

This totally modern bell turned up in September 2021, has it been made in India, will be seeing more of them?  It is just so obviously not one of our bells but it is added to show what the gullible may be offered.

If these bells stand around for long periods in dry conditions  they take on a much darker, a fine patination and it can be difficult to tell their metal type. These three bells are in the webmasters collection, they are all silver metal  bells with fine mature patination.  It would be very easy to polish off (destroy) this patination and make them shiny but it would take very many decades for it  to return.

RAF bell 1943 Unusual LACQUERED POLISHED BRASS version.   We have now seen three different bells of this type, all from 1943. Did the Air Ministry order these for some sort of RAF main buildings, HQ,  stairways, key offices  in premier buildings.   They are finished in the manner commonly seen on vintage telescopes, microscopes and brass/wood cameras. Note that the lettering is not hollowed out but in outline only. They are quite genuine but look slightly different. Can anybody add any more to this?      

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