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<DIV><FONT size=2 face="Comic Sans MS">Holes in the bell. The extra photo does
show a clapper, but I can't make out quite how it is hung. One of the holes in
the crown shows clearly, though, suggesting that it is not now used for a false
staple. All I would say "in defence" is that the method of drilling two fresh
holes for a false staple is very common in England - which is why it seemed the
natural and obvious suggestion. </FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=2 face="Comic Sans MS">I'm quite sure the ship's bell idea is
wrong (as is the suggested value of $50k - surely!) although the plantation bell
theory is possible (especially if it proves that the bell is not by an English
founder). But the hammer indentation marks show it has been used as a clock bell
- so probably hung in a stable turret (or similar) on a country estate both as a
clock bell and also to be swung. The hammer marks align with the canons showing
a clock hammer at right angles to the direction of swing</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=2 face="Comic Sans MS">CP</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>