Schooner Virginia ship's bell with lanyard. Photo by Diane Murphy. The bellrope, also refered to as a bell pull or bell lanyard is a piece of fancy work attached to the clanger of a ship's bell. It is a necessary accoutrement to the ship's bell, both for function as a way to ring the bell as well as ornamentation as a symbol of pride. According to Vince Brennan of Frayed Knot Artworks , the ship’s bell is considered the 'heart' of a ship. Ship's bells are almost mystical objects, especially for as superstitious a lot as are sailors. They are polished before all other items and are the last thing to be removed when a ship is decommissioned or scrapped. US Navy vessels have their names engraved on their bells and when a ship is struck from the list, the last Commanding Officer usually receives the bell for safekeeping. Bell lanyard made by Vince Brennan for the Zuni Maritime Foundation. Photo by Joe Elder For information about 12 inch ship's bell bellrope or l...