Heavy Kodak House London Brass Fire Alarm Bell 1911-1971 Landmark Memorabilia

DESCRIPTION
Up for sale is a genuinely unique piece of British corporate and architectural history: an original 1911 heavy brass fire alarm bell salvaged from Kodak House at 65 Kingsway, London, WC2.

Historical Background:
65 Kingsway is a Grade II listed London landmark designed by Sir John Burnet and Partners. Opened in September 1911, it was celebrated as London's very first purpose-built open-plan office block and served as the UK Head Office for Kodak Limited.

Exactly 60 years later, in September 1971, Kodak relocated its headquarters out of the building to Hemel Hempstead. To mark their historic diamond tenure, this original building fire bell was salvaged, polished, and mounted onto a square wooden presentation plinth complete with a commemorative engraved plaque.

The plaque reads:
"FIRE ALARM BELL FROM 65 KINGSWAY, LONDON, WC2, HEAD OFFICE OF KODAK LIMITED FROM SEPTEMBER 1911 TO SEPTEMBER 1971."

ITEM SPECIFICS:

·         Product Type: Bells / Corporate Memorabilia

·         Theme: Photography / London Local History / Industrial Architecture

·         Company: Kodak Limited

·         Material: Heavy Polished Brass / Bronze bell mounted on a solid wooden base

·         Mounting Type: Tabletop / Free-standing or Wall-Mounted (Includes rear mounting bracket)

·         Base Dimensions: 23cm x 23cm (Square)

·         Total Height: 17cm

·         Total Weight: 1717g (approx. 3.8 lbs)

·         Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom

·         Original/Reproduction: Original 1911 Bell (Mounted in 1971)

• Substantial Weight: Total weight of bell and mount 1717g.
• Dimensions: The solid wood base measures exactly 23cm square, and the unit stands at a total height of 17cm.
• Versatility: While it sits beautifully as a tabletop or desk display piece, the unit is incredibly versatile and features a rear fitting built into the mount, allowing it to be securely wall-mounted if desired.
• Plaque Material: The engraved plaque is silver (untested)

 

Shipping & Packaging:
The set will be securely wrapped in heavy-duty bubble wrap and packed in a sturdy box to ensure it arrives in pristine condition. Dispatched via tracked courier.

 

Please take a look at the photographs and if you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact me. Please take your time to look at the photographs as these also form part of the description.

 

CONDITION

The bell is in excellent vintage condition. The brass dome has been left intentionally unpolished, retaining its superb, authentic aged patina and historical character from its 60 years of active service life in Kodak House. The engraved metal plaque remains completely crisp and legible.

• Note on Condition: There is one small cosmetic dink to the side of the wooden mount plinth, along with minor age-related wear to the wood finish, adding to its genuine vintage charm. (Please see high-resolution photos for exact cosmetic condition).

A fantastic, decorative statement piece perfect for photography enthusiasts, history buffs, or collectors of rare industrial London history.

 

Re Condition - I always describe items to the absolute best of my ability and I am not an expert. Vintage items are not brand new and will always show signs of use and wear commensurate with age. Please see the pictures provided to satisfy yourself as to the condition. ‘Buy it Now’ listing as seen with no returns. Thank you for looking at my listing.

 

Please kindly take a look at my other listings.

I am selling off my large personal collection and will list new items over time so please come back again.

POSTAGE All items are always sent tracked and signed for. Price shown and quoted is for the UK only unless shown.