James Barwell Ltd, Bell Manufacturer, English

“A brass hand bell with turned wooden handle engraved “A.R.P.” (Air Raid Precautions), associated with Britain’s civil defence organisation during the early years of the Second World War. The bell is stamped “J.B 39”, identifying manufacture by James Barwell Ltd, the well-known bell foundry of Birmingham, and dated 1939, the first year of the war. It retains its original internal clapper and chain and shows light surface wear consistent with age. A period British Home Front civil defence signalling bell, both functional and collectible.”