Bicentennial-era style brass-tone hand bell

This object is a small hand bell featuring a tall, flattened handle and a rounded, dome-shaped bell body. The item is constructed from a metallic material with a polished yellow-to-copper finish, appearing consistent with brass or a brass-plated alloy. The handle is notably flat and widens at the top into a lobed, spade-like shape. Engraved or stamped into this flat surface are the numerals '1776' and '1976', which are stylistically consistent with commemorative items produced for the United States Bicentennial. While the user refers to this as a 'Brass bell 1776', the inclusion of the 1976 date suggests the item was likely manufactured around the mid-1970s rather than the 18th century; however, this is a hypothesis based on visual markings and cannot be verified without physical metallurgical testing. The surface shows some minor signs of wear, including small dark spots of oxidation or patina, particularly on the handle and the shoulder of the bell. Fingerprints and slight surface scuffing are visible under the flash photography, but the metal retains a high luster. No additional maker's marks, brand names, or foundry stamps are legible in the provided image. The clapper is not visible from this angle. The overall craftsmanship is consistent with mass-produced commemorative giftware from the late 20th century.

Based on my visual examination of the provided photograph, I have assessed this commemorative hand bell. The item features '1776' and '1976' markings, which I hypothesize indicate production during the United States Bicentennial era. Per the user's submission, this is an '1776 Brass bell'; however, the physical characteristics—such as the flat handle profile and surface luster—suggest a mass-produced decorative object from the mid-1970s rather than an 18th-century artifact. I cannot verify the specific metallic composition from a photo, though it appears consistent with a brass-plated alloy. The value estimate of $15 – $35 is based on the assumption that this is a standard Bicentennial collectible in good vintage condition. I can see minor oxidation and surface scuffing which are typical for its age but do not significantly detract from its decorative appeal. This estimate reflects general market behavior for 20th-century patriotic memorabilia, which remains stable but modest due to high production volumes. A physical inspection would be required to search for obscured maker’s marks and to confirm if the metal is solid brass or a plated base metal; solid brass examples generally command the higher end of the range. If this item were found to be a more modern reproduction of a 1976 design, or if plating loss is more significant than it appears, the value would likely drop below $10. Conversely, if it possessed a verified foundry mark from a notable American maker, the value could see a slight increase. To reach a more certain conclusion, one would need to document provenance and perform metallurgical testing.