Auction of a bell from the wreck of the SMS Grosser Kurfurst

A bell from the wreck of the World War I German cruiser SMS Grosser Kurfurst will be auctioned in Southampton. Auctioneers from Atlantic Crossing Auctions believe this is an unusual auction as only 2 bells of this kind can be found in the world. The other is in one of the churches in Scotland.

-- Advertisement --

The uncommon bell comes from the wreck of the ship, which was excavated and scrapped between 1928 and 1930. It had previously participated in the Battle of Jutland in 1916 and actions against towns on the east coast of England. The cruiser was commanded by Admiral Ludwig von Reuter, a German naval officer who, on 21 June 1919, gave the order to self-sink his subordinate units to avoid capture by the Allies. In this way 10 battleships, 5 line cruisers, 5 light cruisers and 32 destroyers were sent to the bottom.

The wreck of the cruiser rested on the starboard side on the bottom of the British base at about 20 meters, so that at low tide it partially protruded above the sea surface. After initial unsuccessful attempts to raise it, it was finally excavated in 1928 and then dismantled and scrapped in Rosyth, Scotland in 1930.

Since then, the 22 inch bell has been at the home of the family who bought it at the time. It was used in their garden as a decorative ornament. The auctioneer is confident that an object of such great historical value will sell for at least 5000 pounds sterling. There has already been a great deal of interest from the Navy, museums and enthusiasts of German memorabilia. The auction will take place on 22 March 2014 at St Andrew’s Church in Southampton.

Source: xray-mag.com