A BELL FROM THE IMPERIAL GERMAN SUBMARINE U.B.44, 1916

cast in brass with impressed lettering inscribed U.B. 44, the inside inscribed in raised lettering 15 C, complete with clapper, now mounted on wood stand, the bell -- 6 x 6in. (15 x 15cm.); stand 15in. (38cm.) high

One of a class of six, UB-44 was built by AG Wesser, Bremen, shipped in sections to Pola and assembled (with her sisters) by Wesser engineers, being launched in April 1916. She measured 121 feet with a 14ft 4in. beam, and her Daimler diesels provided a range of 6,840 miles at nearly 9 knots on the surface and 4 knots submerged with a range of 45 miles on batteries. She was armed with two 19.7in. bow torpedo tubes and could carry four torpedoes. Additionally, she was also armed with a single 3.5in. deck gun. She was commissioned on 11 May 1916 and ordered to the Austro-Hungarian base at Cattaro, near the Mediterranean. On 30th June she torpedoed and sank the S.S. Moeris on passage between Glasgow and Alexandria with the loss of three men and her only 'kill'; Her fate is unknown, but anecdotal evidence suggests she may have been sunk with a lance bomb off Paxoi in early August. How her bell survived is unclear, however her unusual construction and early demise suggests that it had yet to be fitted.

Condition Report

Polished, black filling to lettering now missing.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.