Description: This Official Bicentennial Bell was produced for that momentous occasion in a limited edition by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry of London -- the same foundry that cast the original Liberty Bell in 1752. This foundry is listed in the Guiness Book of Records as the oldest manufacturing company in the UK with production dating back to 1570. I believe this Official Bicentennial Bell edition was limited to 1,000. My bell is registered as #674 in the edition. Another bell of the same edition sold for $475 at LiveAuctioneers in 2019. With the upcoming Semiquincentennial in 2026, this limited-edition bell will make a great gift for the upcoming holidays. Originally commissioned by the Pennsylvania Assembly, the Liberty Bell was first named the “State House Bell,” to mark the 50-year anniversary of William Penn's 1701 Charter of Privileges, which served as Pennsylvania's original Constitution. The words cast on this limited-edition bell – the same words Whitechapel Bell Foundry cast into the Liberty Bell itself – are as follows (all in capital letters): “PROCLAIM LIBERTY THROUGHOUT ALL THE LAND UNTO ALL THE INHABITANTS THEREOF LEV.XXVVX” It is interesting to note that “LEV.XXVVX,” on this replica and on the original Liberty Bell, is a Bible verse in the King James Version: Leviticus 25, Verse 10, from which the words were taken. This verse was chosen by Isaac Norris, the Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1751. It refers to the "Jubilee," which instructed the Israelites to free slaves and return property every 50 years. Later, in the late 1830’s, it acquired the name “Liberty Bell” when it was adopted by abolitionists as a symbol for the anti-slavery movement. The second and third lines are as follows: “BY ORDER OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE PROVINCE OF PENSYLVANIA FOR THE STATE HOUSE IN PHILADA” “THOS LESTER OF LONDON MADE ME 1752” Note that “Pennsylvania” is misspelled on the bell with only one “n,” just like it was on the original Liberty Bell. Also, an antiquated method of abbreviating words was to use small superscripts, shown at the end of “Philadelphia” and “Thomas” (the superscript A and S, respectively.) Thomas Lester was a former foreman in the foundry and is credited with moving it to its location in Whitechapel. I have really enjoyed owning and ringing this bell (as have my grandchildren) since it was given to me the year after the bicentennial. I hope that someone else will enjoy it just as much as I have, and will display it in a place of honor in their home. While it now contains some mild pitting, the sound of its peal is just as bright and strong as the day I received it. Please view the video to hear this bell ring – signifying Freedom and Liberty for all.
Price: 550 USD
Location: Casselberry, Florida
End Time: 2025-01-08T22:28:25.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Shape: Bell-shaped
Occasion: Bicentennial in 1976 and the Semiquincentennial in 2026
Size: Medium
Year Manufactured: 1976
Item Length: 6.75 in
Care Instructions: Clean with Warm Water
Number in Pack: 1
Item Height: 9.5 in
Style: American
Features: Stunning Tone when Rung (listen to my video)
Finish: Antique Brass or Bronze
Handmade: Yes
Item Width: 6.75 in
Engraved: Yes
Pattern: Exact Replica of the Liberty Bell
Color: Yellow (brass)
Brand: Whitechapel Bell Foundry
Type: Bell
Customized: No
Era: Late 20th Century (1970-1999)
Packaging: Unboxed
Collection: Limited Editions
Original/Reproduction: Licensed Reproduction
Theme: Semiquincentennial
Time Period Manufactured: 1970-1979
Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
Production Technique: Limited Edition of 1,000
Character Family: Liberty Bell
Item Weight: 5 lb
