Bronze Ship's Bell from the Montevideo Maru

Description

Bronze ship's bell from the Montevideo Maru, a merchant ship of the Empire of Japan, launched in 1926. The bell was removed before the ship was tragically wrecked. During WWII the Japanese government ordered the seizure of metals, including bells from ships, temples, and schools to be smelted for armaments leading to this bell's retrieval. There is a large seven character inscription along the central exterior.

The ship, constructed in Nagasaki, was sunk by the American submarine USS Sturgeon on July 1, 1942, drowning 1,054 people, mostly Australian prisoners of war. The attack is considered the worst maritime disaster in Australia's history. Among the dead were 35 sailors from the Norwegian merchant ship Herstein, a passenger vessel in the port of Rabaul at the time of the incident.
Height: 8 3/4 in x diameter: 9 3/4 in.

Condition

Scattered areas of verdigris patination throughout. There are some areas of tarnishing. Oxidation along the interior. Accretions along the recessed areas. Some small chips along the lower rim. Complete loss to the clapper.

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Bronze Ship's Bell from the Montevideo Maru

Lot 0163

Estimate $800-$1,600Nov 10, 2026, 11:00 AM EST

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Arts of Asia

Nov 10, 2026, 11:00 AM EST

St. Paul, MN, United States

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