Description

This is the Warren Freedom Bell, in ‘desk bell’ form, created for the 1976 United States Bicentennial and the 100th anniversary (1876) of the original casting of the bell, which sat atop the old Warren (CT) church.

The idea for the Warren Freedom Bell was inspired by Eric Sloane, who with his friend and fellow author Eric Hatch, created “The Committee of the Two Erics”, which created a national campaign to institute bell ringing on Independence Day. It was with the Warren church bell that Sloane and Hatch inaugurated the practice.
The bell and cradle were reproduced in miniature to create this ‘desk model’, as well as a handbell and a doorbell. Only 178 bells were cast according to the Warren County Historical Society, with an unknown number of those being allocated to desk, hand, or door configurations. This bell is also signed by Sloane inside the mouth, which is rarer still. Only 100 of the 200 total that were supposed to be made (again, only 178 were actually made) were signed, and how many of those made it into the desk model is unknown.

• The Warren Freedom Bell, 1976.
• Walnut base, measuring approx. 9” wide x 6” deep. Total height = approximately 7”. Bronze bell dimensions = approximately 3.5” tall x 4.5” wide (at mouth).
• In overall good condition with minor wear marks to base commensurate with age.
• $295.00. Includes shipping and insurance.
• Sale proceeds to benefit the Eric Sloane Appreciation Society