Schulmerich Handbell

[Ryan]

Hello everyone I am new to this forum but I was wondering if anyone could help me out with an instrument I found. It is a Schulmerich Handbell Note A#4, it is quite old, but it also has a case, two keys for the case and a spare clapper, could anyone give me any info on this and possibly if it is worth anything? I am just curious, and just to specify the handle says ''G# A(flat note) 4''. Could anyone please help me out thank you.

 

[wljmrbill]

If not yet..start with google, Bing search engines for leads.Contact a manufacturer of Hand bells as well as a a hand bell choir leader from a major church... should give you a few good leads. Good luck and a great find IMHO.... WELCOME to the forums

 

[Krummhorn]

Hi Ryan,

The note in question, according the the Schulmerich 2015 price list, is $325 (USD) new. Used ones can be found for about $150 (USD), but usually only as part of an complete octave set.

There are three primary manufacturers of handbells:
1) Schulmerich;
2) Malmark;
3) Whitechapel

The first two are made in the same state (PA) and Whitechapel is made in the UK. There have been arguments over the years about which bell sounds better than the other. This is all personal taste ... but there is a wide difference in pricing between the three manufacturers.

At least you can start your own handbell choir, providing of course that everything you play is in the key of A# major or minor.

I am curious though on where you "found" this handbell. Was it at a thrift/charity shop?

 

[Ryan]

I actually found in with some other stuff that belonged to my grandfather, along with the hand bell was a flute and some old news papers.

 

[Krummhorn]

Interesting ... in respect to the single handbell. Must be a story behind that would have significance.

Was the flute in good condition also?

 

[Ryan]

Yes indeed, I imagine there would be and yes the flute was in good condition, only issue was it was missing 2 flute pads.