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Antique Brass School Bell Ida King 1885 Mediapolis Iowa Wooden Handle Teacher 6.5”
A personal connection to Iowa’s early classrooms: this antique brass handbell belonged to Miss Ida King, a teacher in Mediapolis, Iowa, and retains its identification label reading:
“Ida King — 1885 — Mediapolis School”
With its preserved label, black painted wooden handle, and aged brass surface, this bell brings together a useful classroom object and the story of the educator who owned it.
The Teacher & Her History
Local historical records identify Ida King among the teachers serving Mediapolis during the 1886–1887 and 1888–1889 school years, placing her work in the community during the late Victorian era.
Those records also identify Ida King as the wife of Robert McLean, connecting the name on the bell to a local family as well as the school’s history.
Small handbells were used to gain pupils’ attention and signal classroom transitions. This example offers a tangible connection to the daily routines of an Iowa educator more than a century ago.
The Bell
* Ownership: Identified as Miss Ida King’s personal school bell.
* School association: Mediapolis School, Mediapolis, Iowa.
* Label date: 1885.
* Size: Approximately 6.5 inches tall × 3.5 inches across the base.
* Construction: Brass body with a turned, black painted wooden handle.
* Clapper: Metal internal clapper present.
* Included: The exact bell and attached label shown in the photographs.
The surviving identification label preserves the connection between the bell, its owner, and the school. The 1885 date is recorded on the label; it is not a manufacturer’s date stamp.
Condition
Antique condition with visible tarnish, patina, spotting, discoloration, and surface scratches. The wooden handle shows wear and chipped paint, including exposed wood near its base. Please examine all photographs for the bell’s condition and label details.
An interesting addition to a collection of antique school bells, Iowa history, teacher memorabilia, Victorian schoolhouse objects, or Mediapolis collectibles.
Carefully packed and shipped within 3 business days.
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