For history enthusiasts and collectors searching for authentic California mission bells for sale, this rare piece of early 20th-century Americana offers a direct connection to the golden age of California preservation. This 100-year-old bronze miniature is a detailed replica of the historic bells hanging at Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá. It features a lovely, clear, high-pitched, and resounding ring that echoes with timeless heritage.
Collector Specifications:
Dimensions: 2 3/8 inches tall, 2 1/8 inches diameter
Weight: 6 oz of solid, thick bronze
Material: Authentic cast bronze
Condition: Excellent vintage condition showcasing a luscious, untouched aged patina
The Legacy of the Forbes Foundry & El Camino Real Guideposts
This historic souvenir was cast by the renowned Forbes Foundry of Los Angeles, California. The foundry was established by Mrs. A.S.C. Forbes (1861–1951), a legendary American historical preservationist who dedicated her life to protecting California's old Spanish missions and the historic trail that connected them.
In 1904, Mrs. Forbes helped found the El Camino Real Association, where her iconic bell-and-crook design was officially adopted to mark the historic highway. In addition to casting the full-sized, roadside El Camino Real mission bells, her foundry created these highly collectible miniature replicas. Mrs. Forbes hand-sketched the designs based on the exact silhouettes of the bells she saw hanging in the mission towers during her travels.
Historic Roots: California’s First Mission
The history behind this piece dates back to the very dawn of California's recorded past. Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá was the first Franciscan mission founded in Las Californias, a province of New Spain. Established on July 16, 1769, by Spanish friar Junípero Serra in an area long inhabited by the Kumeyaay people, it stands today as the birthplace of the historic California mission trail.
Whether you are looking to enhance a collection of original El Camino Real bells or trying to find the perfect accent piece for a Spanish Colonial or Spanish Revival interior, this miniature bronze masterpiece is a distinct and beautiful investment.
👉 Browse Our Full Collection of Vintage California Mission Bells & Replicas Here
