This custom bell was crafted from a yellow brass American Standard F-horn bell flare. Its serial number is 957, which according to serial number information I could find, puts its manufacture date around 1920. Although quite old, the brass is sound and the bell flare has a nice geometry and is lightweight. The bell flare was straightened, delacquered, cleaned, and fitted with a Yamaha compatible ring made of bronze for its good wear and low friction properties.
Three pairs of Plumeria flower blooms with leaves and stems have been soldered around the bell flare rim. The flower petals are copper, with nickel silver edges silver soldered onto the copper. The nickel silver edges are an effort to capture the texture and depth of the Plumeria flower petals. The stems are nickel silver and the leaves are yellow brass.
The bell with its bell ring weighed 344g before the applique design was applied. It weighs 398g after the artwork was applied. This vintage bell, with its full original engraving, handsomely sports various marks, a few lumps and other evidence of around a century of musical instrument service. I was unable to play test this bell due to my lack of a horn with Yamaha bell ring, but I expect it will be pleasing.
