mart, the tube does not come out. The turned brass cylinder with the nut end fits down inside the tube that stays in the bell. That is how I understand it.
Baulde, I would like a pic of the bell without the knurled ring, the turned brass cylinder without the nut on it, measurements of everything, any mineral deposits noted on the inside of the bell or in the barrel of the turned brass cylinder, any smell noted inside the bell, or anything else you can think of. Does the bell hold water without leaking? I see it is made in two parts and not cast in one piece. How deep is the bell and how long is the turned brass cylinder? How do you know there are two slots on the tube at the bottom if it does not come out?
Another conundrum, I believe.