Bronze bell St Romuald possibly Giuseppe De Levi foundry

@Vintage Maven
I have this bell in my collection that I bought years ago. The bell is dedicated to Saint Romuald the founder of the Camaldolese order. The bell depicts St Romuald pinning down a sinner with his staff, an angel beating down a sinner with his baton ( as depicted in the painting by Guercino 1641 ) and a portrait of St Romuald himself. I have been trying to research this bell for years now with no real luck. The bell mount reflects the same bell mount used by the De Levi foundry, but I haven’t been able to confirm if this bell was indeed made at the De Levi foundry. How the bell made its way to Australia from Italy is a mystery. I believe the bell was more than likely made for a monastery somewhere in Italy and was possibly saved from the melting pots of WW2. Possibly brought to Australia by someone migrating to Australia after the war?

 

@Decka This is amazing. I absolutely enjoyed looking at the photos, and your historical description as well, and yes, quite a miracle and mystery to how it ended up where it is. I want to say “Thank You” for taking the time in sharing this. ❤️Maven

 

@springfld.arsenal might be able to give you some insight.

 

Your more than welcome.

 

Such a high quality cast bell, thank you for showing it. I don't doubt your research as it being founded in Italy and hand carried to Australia. I hope members can shed light on any aspect of this bell for you.

 

How big is this here bell?

 

Around 30 cm that’s why I believe it to be a monastery bell. It’s to small to be a steeple bell.

 

30cm = 11-3/4"

I see.

 

Beautiful bell, Decka, and a rare find.

There is an oblate or third Camaldolese order in Australia. I know nothing of it's history or if the bell came to Australia through them, but you could investigate that angle

 

Found some info on the Aussie Camaldolese oblates, it seems they only started in the early 1990s:
https://camaldolesedownunder.com/about-2/

Should you want to contact them:
https://camaldolesedownunder.com/contact/

 

I want to get the bronze tested so I can hopefully narrow down it possible age. I believe this bell has some serious age to it. The bell mount is primitive in style as most of the bells in my collection ( 18th / 19th century ) are either tang or crown mount.

 

Thankyou for the information.