Antique Mission Carmel Father Serra Altar Bells

ABOUT: Very rare 100-year-old sanctuary bell chime consisting of a trio of mini replica bells of Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Río Carmelo (Mission Carmel) and topped with a Father Junipero Serra figurative handle. Lion paw feet. Each bell has raised text: Carmel 1770, Junipero Serra 1713-1784. (Father Serra founded the mission in 1770, and died and was buried in the sanctuary in 1784.) Delightful chorus of complementary high pitched tingling when gently shaken; listen in audio player below.

DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT:
• 4 5/8 inches tall
• 6 1/2 inches along each side
• 1 1/2 lbs.

MAKER: Designed and cast by Mrs. A.S.C. Forbes of the Forbes Foundry of Los Angeles, California between 1914 and 1937.

MATERIAL: Bronze

CONDITION: Very good condition with a luscious patina, but please note that the thumb nut attaching one of the bells was replaced with a regular nut; highlighted in last photo.

HISTORY:‍‍Mrs. A.S.C. Forbes (May 6, 1861 – September 18, 1951) was an American historical preservationist best known for her efforts to preserve California's El Camino Real and the old Spanish missions it connected. In 1904, the El Camino Real Association was founded, and Forbes' design for a guidepost to mark the route was adopted. A foundry was established, and in addition to El Camino Real mission bell guideposts, these mission bell souvenirs were created from sketches of what she could see of the bells hanging in the towers at the California mission she visited. Learn more about the Forbes Foundry here.

Please view this and other mission style bells on my website.