Dimension L: 6 W: 6 H: 11 Inches About This brass bell was originally used on cruised ships to signal for meal time. When struck the bell sounds off clear and distinct. It is available in an antique brass finish and comes with a wooden handle. The item dimensions are: L: 6 inches, W: 6 inches, H: 11 inches. History A ships bell is usually made of bronze or brass and often has the ships name engraved on it. Strikes of a ships bell are used to indicate the hour aboard a ship and thereby to regulate the sailors duty watches and meal times.