Bell-metal
The alloys for large bells are now as various as those for small ones. It was formerly considered that copper 75, tin 25, was the best for all large bells, but it is claimed by many that copper 80, tin 20, is better. Many church-bells are successfully cast from either of the above proportions. The following proportions are about correct: Extra large bells: copper 16, tin 5. Church and large bells: copper 16, tin 4 1/2. House-bells: copper 16, tin 4. Gongs, cymbals, etc.: copper 16, tin 3 1/2. Soft musical bells: copper 16, tin 3.
Another composition introducing zinc and lead for church-bells is: copper 80, tin 10, zinc 5.6, lead 4.6. Clock-bells are also made from: copper 72.0, tin 26.5, iron 1.5. It will be seen that a small proportion of iron enters into the latter alloy; this is common with some founders, and zinc and lead form no mean proportion in the cheaper class of small bells. Lafond's mixture for small bells and piano-plates is: copper 77, tin 21, antimony 2. This alloy is yellowish white, and can be filed only with difficulty.
A French bell-metal for hand, clock, and other similar-sized bells is: copper 55 to 60, tin 30 to 40, zinc 10 to 15. See ALLOY; BRASS; JAPANESE BRONZE-WORK.