Revere Bell

This bronze bell was cast in 1804 at the bell and cannon foundry of Paul Revere and Son and was sold in 1805 to the East Parish Church in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Revere cast his first bell in 1792 for his own church, the Second Church of Boston, and his last in 1811, when at age 76 he ended his active partnership in the family firm. This bell is one of only 27 known to exist from the period of Revere's personal involvement at the foundry, which continued under the leadership of his son. Between 1792 and 1843 the Revere foundry cast over 1000 bells of all sizes. The bell's metal content is approximately 75% copper, 21% tin, and 4% other metals, and its tongue is iron. Together, bell and tongue weigh 931 pounds. The church paid 43¢ a pound, for a total of $413.78, and Revere also bought their old bell, which weighed 748 pounds, for 20¢ a pound. Revere insisted that his bells be properly hung and rung, and each carried this guarantee and warning: This bell is warranted for twelve months accidents and improper exempted; and unless it shall be rung or struck before it is placed in the belfry, or tolled by pulling or forcing the tongue against the bell, by a string or otherwise.

Cambridge, Massachusetts · United States