THE SHIP'S BELL FROM H.M. ESCORT CARRIER CAMPANIA, 1944

regulation pattern, cast in bell metal with moulded rim and crown suspension, black filled lettering to front inscribed H.M.S. CAMPANIA 1944, ebonised interior with clapper staple and faintly inscribed in gothic text inside rim 25.5.52 Laurence Christopher George Millward and 8.6.1952 George William Mudford -- 12½in (32cm.) square

Built by Harland & Wolff, Campania saw service towards the end of the War - her Swordfish aircraft sinking at least one U-Boat, but her main fame comes from her use as a floating exhibition at the Festival of Britain in 1951 touring the UK's ports with a civilian crew as the Festival Ship Campania to supplement the main exhibition in London. As soon as the Festival closed, she was converted for use as the HQ of Operation Hurricane, with her exhibition spaces converted to laboratories and a desalination plant, she was dispatched to witness the detonation of Britain's first atomic bomb on 3rd October 1952 at Monte Bello Islands off Western Australia. After her return to the UK at the end of 1952 she was sold, being scrapped at Blyth in 1955.

The Royal Navy has long had a tradition of, when possible, christening the children of the ship's company using the ship's bell inverted as a font. Usually, their names and dates are scratch-inscribed inside the rim so it is unusual to see handsome Gothic inscriptions such as these.

Condition Report

good original condition, lettering appears to have original black filling that is now separating,denting to front rim of bell indicating it has been rung externally, paint flaking within and christening inscriptions very faint

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.