What are Decorative or Architectural Bells? 

Architectural bells, sometimes called decorative bells or bell shells are used in place of authentic cast bronze bells to give the look and feel of a real bell without incurring the cost of a real bell. Let’s face it, bronze is expensive and it takes between 500 and 700 pounds of it to cast the average church bell. It is important to know that architectural bells are not intended to be rung. They are for decorative purposes only and good quality architectural bells can be visually hard to tell from the real thing, especially when equipped with authentic looking, period, mounting hardware, clapper, yokes, rope and chain etc. Having a bell in your tower or niche can give your church or any other building for that matter, the final touch it needs to set it apart from the other buildings in the neighborhood and cause passersby to take notice.

Architectural bells can be made using a variety of different materials such as Fiberglas, cast iron, cast aluminum or spun aluminum. In my opinion, the best choice for architectural bells is spun aluminum. Spun aluminum bells are light and do not typically require cranes or other lift equipment to install them; In fact, most of these bells can be carried in a persons hands. They can be custom painted using an industrial grade finish to look like a brand new, cast bronze bell or a weathered antique bell with the natural green patina that occurs with age; or they can be painted any color of the rainbow to achieve an individuals desired effect.

S F Glaser, Inc. is proud to supply the best spun aluminum decorative bells available today. We can custom finish our bells as described above or sell them as they come from the factory with the original mill finish. We have stock mounting hardware that is easy to install, or we can custom fabricate mounting hardware to replicate a particular vintage or style to make your building really stand out, and, if you wish, we can install them too, just call us. .

Information and advice are always free. (626) 841-1859

Spun aluminum Architectural Bells: Five standard sizes are available – 12”, 18”, 22”, 32” and 40” in diameter. We would be pleased to provide a free phone conversation with you, your architect or engineer to help in determining which bell size and mounting hardware that will best serve to enhance, beautify and authenticate your building or structure for many years to come.

We’ll get it done!

S F Glaser, Inc. a general and electrical contractor, licensed by the state of California, specializing in bell sales, bell installation, bell maintenance and bell repair. We have what it takes to make you look and sound your best.

Call us, we’re here to help. (626) 841-1859

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