This bell was created by Union Switch and Signal (now Ansaldo STS) sometime during the 1910s, and was discontinued in the 1960s.

This bell is very popular with signalfans due to its rarity, shape, and ability to produce a slow, low pitched tone.

This bell can be found on a lot of older California crossings with 8" lights. It isn't as popular in other states, but can be seen on some older crossings across the United States.

This was model number #15-A according to US&S's records.

Note: Little information is known on this bell. More information is requested.

US&S Teardrop Bell at Palmdale, CA on 9/24/2005.


Front view of US&S Teardrop on 5/7/2008 from the collection of rrxingrick@aol.com.


Back view of US&S Teardrop on 5/7/2008 from the collection of rrxingrick@aol.com.


Right view of US&S Teardrop on 5/7/2008 from the collection of rrxingrick@aol.com.


Left view of US&S Teardrop on 5/7/2008 from the collection of rrxingrick@aol.com.


Inside view of US&S Teardrop on 5/7/2008 from the collection of rrxingrick@aol.com.
  

Audio Clips

CLICK THE ICON TO THE LEFT TO HEAR THE BELL IN ACTION.
(FROM THE PRIVATE COLLECTION OF RRXINGRICK@AOL.COM)






CLICK THE ICON TO THE LEFT TO HEAR THE BELL IN ACTION.
(FROM THE PRIVATE COLLECTION OF RRXINGRICK@AOL.COM)





External links

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzhg6nAnmpI - Teardrop bells from Rich Owens. One bell has a patented date of 1917 on it.