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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
World War II Victory Bell
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

World War II Victory Bell

Artifact IDMO 2009.19.12
Object Type Bell
Designer (English, 1903 - 1984)
Maker (English, founded 1941)
Dateca. 1945
MediumMetal (alloy, brass), Paint
Dimensionsoverall H 6 in x Diam 4 1/2 in (15.2 cm x 11.4 cm )
Physical DescriptionA World War II handheld victory bell. Cast of a silver-colored metal alloy, the bell features low relief profile images of Allied leaders Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Joseph Stalin. Raised lettering around the base of the bell reads: CAST IN METAL FROM GERMAN AIRCRAFT SHOT DOWN OVER BRITAIN 1939-1945 / RAF BENEVOLENT FUND. On either side of the bell's handle is a raised letter "V". The interior of the bell, including the brass clapper, has been painted metallic silver.
Historical NoteDesigned by Conrad Parlanti and made in England by his company, the Buckinghamshire Die-Casting Company, small victory bells like this one were cast towards the end of World War II using recycled alloy ingots. The bells sold for 1£ each with the proceeds going to the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Additional Details
Custodial History NotePurchased at auction in May 2009 by the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute for the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Credit LineGift of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyCopyrightCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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