Ringing in the New Year

この記事の日本語版は、次週ＵＰします。
Recently I was contacted by a fellow vintage bicycle Enthusiast "Tommy" from Singapore.  Tommy found my blog via a recent post by Jeff over at The Flying Pigeon Project featuring the Magnet restoration .

Tommy's blog "Classic 2 Wheelers" featured a post on "spinning brass bells".  What a great way to "ring" in the new year!  I have seen similar lever operated revolving bells, but none without the lever that you simply spin with your hand.

The thing I like about vintage bicycles and parts is that they are over-engineered. Heavy duty and built to last.  Here is a very old revolving bell, quite large, probably pre-WWII. It is interesting to note the spelling of "special "as on the bell it is spelled incorrectly as "spicial".

Click here to SEE and LISTEN to a video of this bell.

Here is a NOS (new Old Stock) bell from FUJI.

The Fuji logo (upside down in the photo) can clearly be seen in the center of the bell dome.

Click here to SEE and LISTEN to a video of this bell.

One of the largest manufacturers of bells was Umezawa.
Very nice revolving bells.  The design and chrome are superb.


Click here to SEE and LISTEN to a video of this bell

This bell with the Maruka Bicycle logo was manufactured by Kikaku Bell Co. 
.
Click here to SEE and LISTEN to a video of this bell

Here is a large bell with the Hikari logo in the center of the bell dome.
I am still looking for parts to complete my Hikari restoration. 

Click here to SEE and LISTEN to a video of this bell

Here is a smaller revolving bell with the "swallow" mark.
This baby really spins long fast and long!

Click here to SEE and LISTEN to a video of this bell

The information below is from an export catalog of Japanese bicycles from 1953.
Some of the major bell manufacturers.

Bell design and secifications.

Next week I will post the Japanese version, not a carbon-copy but the intent will remain the same.