Victorian 10" Mears & Co. Whitechapel Bronze Bell 1860s

This is a Victorian 10" Mears & Co. Whitechapel Bronze Bell made in the most celebrated of bell foundry at Whitechapel which was also the birthplace of the American Liberty Bell and Big Ben in London. This bell is marked "MEARS & CO. LONDON" and 10" for the opening and is about 10 inches tall. In my research the 10" bell was used in many roles from ships to school and many others. The bell has a high luster shine on the brass with lots of patina. George Mears received control of the foundry in 1844 from his father, this bell will date before the 1860's and is in excellent condition with the original hand forged clapper which rings the bell clear and true. I would believe that this bell has centuries of service ahead of it.