This Craigslist ad has me intrigued. This seller claims that this is an original bell from a California Mission and is asking for $75K or an equivalent trade (he suggests a private island in the south pacific, LOL!) First off, I don't think there are any California missions that sold off their bells. The details look too ornate for something that would go up in a bell tower and I don't recall ever seeing a mission bell with Jesus on it. I don't think the ornate stuff would be condusive to producing a clear tone, but I don't know for sure. Looking at the interior, although I see patina and the wear marks in the patina on the clapper look good, why don't we see the same on the bell's interior? The patina looks inconsistant and does not seem to follow a 200 year old pattern of wear and use.
The metal looks too pitted to be a musical instrument designed to be struck hard and vibrate, even if it is 200 years old. How come Jesus isn't pitted too? It looks to small to be a mission bell. This looks like a fake to me and I'm wondering what you guys think:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/atq/3404252661.htmlAmazing Historic 1811 Mission Bell! - $75000 (danville / san ramon)
Here is an incredible 1811 Spanish California church bell!
201 years old!
Authentic in every way!
NOT A REPRODUCTION!
I have been a connoisseur of fine antiques for over 30 years and this
is a once in a lifetime object of beauty and extreme historical importance.
It would behoove someone to donate this to a museum and share it magnificence with the world.
I may consider a trade of equal value such as a private island in the south pacific.
Send your contact info and I will send more pics.
Call Steve to arrange an inspection.
I may consider trades and cash or equal value in land, cars, boats, jewelery.
