$5,100 (36 bids): 16-inch Solid Bronze Ship’s Bell, WWII U.S. Navy USS Rail, Pearl Harbor Ship. This auction is for a chance to own a piece of one of the most historical moments in the history of the United States: December 7, 1941. This is an antique, original, solid bell metal (some call it white bronze), bronze ship’s bell from the USS Rail (AM-26). She has some streaking on the sides from rust running down from the mounting bracket onto the bronze, The USS Rail was a Lapwing Class minesweeper built and launched in 1918 for the United States Navy during the closing months of World War I. There is an abundance of information on this ship to be found online. This ship was in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and actually participated in the battle. She fired upon the attacking Japanese aircraft and shot one down, as well as participated in the rescue of the brave sailors in the water and later patrolled the channel. (See the Official Action Report at the end.)

The USS Rail continued to serve in many major battles in the Pacific Theater of WWII, including the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and the invasion of the Philippines. She earned a total of six Battle Stars during WWII.

She was scrapped in San Francisco in 1947. The bell was obtained in the 1950s and maintained in the same collection until becoming available here. The bell itself is in very good condition and rings with a beautiful, loud and unbelievably long, sustained tone. It is large, measuring 16 inches in diameter and 16 inches tall and weighs 100+ pounds. It has “U.S.S. Rail 1918” cast into the bell.

This is one of those rare items I have had over the years that I wish I could keep, but this is how we make a living so here she is. I get goose pumps at the thought of this piece having actually been there on a fighting ship that fateful day, firing at the attacking force as so many tragedies and heroics took place all around her. I apologize if some of you view this as hyperbole, but it truly is a chance to own a piece of serious history. With the bells of the major ships such as the battleships at Pearl Harbor being in museums and memorials, this is about as good as it gets regarding items from “…the date which will live in infamy.” She truly would be a crowning jewel in a collection that none of your fellow collectors will likely ever match.

The Official Action Report:

From: The Commanding Officer.
To: The Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.
Subject: Report on Attack December 7, 1941, against Pearl Harbor.

The Commanding officer was not on board. The Rail was at the Coal Docks nested in a group of four minesweeps port side to.

Offensive measures taken:
Opened fire with 3" Anti Aircraft 15 minutes after first bomb hit on Pearl Harbor.
Opened fire with .30 Cal. machine guns and Rifles and Pistols 20 minutes after attack on Pearl Harbor.
Ships at Coal Docks got underway and moored to buoys in target basin, in order to utilize all batteries and scatter own ships, and set up cross fire. Inboard ship, under upkeep remained at Coal Dock.
From position at buoys ships had clear range to fire at planes attacking Hickam Field and those attacking Pearl Harbor.
It is estimated at total of 100 dive bombers and torpedo planes plus 50 high altitude bombers took part in attack.
A string of about 20 bombs from high altitude bombers fell in channel astern of Rail about 60 yards. It is estimated two strings of bombs 20-25 each, hit Hickam Field.
About 40 dive bombers concentrated on Hickam Field.
Planes disappeared in direction of Barbers Point.
No material or personnel losses sustained. Shrapnel fell throughout ship during attack.
One plane was shot down.

Ensign R.W. WHALEN, USNR was senior officer on board, and had the duty, and Machinist W.F. FENSKE was on board to relieve the duty officer. The timely action of Ensign WHALEN, and Machinist FENSKE, was exemplary as was that of the entire crew. Ensign WHALEN, suggested getting out into stream, and preparation was immediately made to get underway. The Commanding Officer commends these two officers for their cool judgement and performance of duty.

The morale of the entire crew is as high as could be desired; and their steadiness during the action was excellent. Ensign WHALEN, and Machinist FENSKE, knowledge of planes was invaluable in not firing on friendly planes. (Photo, courtesy of eBay seller Gypsiegirlz.)

DBA: A “one-of-a-kind” object, such as this, requires some thought as to if this is a good deal for the buyer or a good deal for the seller. One can’t simply look for the price for which another one sold. A new bronze bell (and one with no provenance or historical value) was offered for sale at $200 (one pound and 5 inches high). On that basis, the brass in this bell would be valued at the equivalent of more than $2,000. In 2006, Christies’ sold a bronze ship’s bell for the SS Galileo (1963 date) for $1,080. It was about one-fourth the size of this bell.

My guess is that this bell has more WWII historical interest and that was the driving force for this sale. With that historical interest, I would say that the buyer got a good deal. 

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$787 (22 bids): 1890s Wood Barber Shop Pole, Original Red White Blue Advertising. Proud to offer this old and original, primitive antique advertising barbershop barber pole. I bought this from a friend who used it in his wife's salon. He told me he bought it in Pennsylvania, and I have no reason not to believe him. Measuring about 36 inches tall and retaining much of its original paint. Weighs about 5.5 pounds. I think this might have been displayed in a larger city due to its size where space was at a premium and regulations might dictate such things.

Structurally sound with no rotting or other major faults to the wood (not sure what kind it is). What is quite remarkable is that the body of the piece retains all of its original painted surface without overpainting. It was normal to touch-up these pieces as they were hung outside and suffered thru the various weather conditions and bug attacks. The neck and ball areas show quite a bit of this overpainting. (Photo, courtesy of eBay seller floridamoment.)

DBA: The use of the helical stripe on what has become known as a “barber pole” originated in the Middle Ages when barbers were associated with bloodletting, and the red and white represented bloody bandages wrapped around a pole onto which the customer held while undergoing the procedure. Most countries use a red-and-white striped pole with the USA adding a blue stripe as well. Due to these being outdoors, few have survived, making them more valuable.

I did find similar-size barber poles, approximately the same age, offered for sale at $950 and at $695. The price paid is most likely the “going rate” for such objects.

Deborah Abernethy is a certified appraiser with the International Association of Appraisers. She can be contacted at 404-262-2131 or Deborah@expert-appraisers.com . Her website is www.expert-appraisers.com .