A classic mid-century American souvenir — sculptural, cheerful, and highly displayable.
This vintage ceramic bell features a perched owl atop a fluted bell form, finished in warm honey-gold glaze with raised pink roses and green foliage. The front medallion reads:
“Nashville – Music City, U.S.A.” with crossed guitar and banjo motif surrounded by musical notes. "Mel Tillis County Store" is printed on the back.
The interior retains its original clapper and wire assembly — always an important detail for collectors of vintage souvenir bells.
Collector Notes
• Era: Likely 1950s–1960s • Origin: Japan (common production origin for mid-century U.S. souvenir ceramics) • Material: Glazed ceramic • Height: Approx. 4.5–5 inches • Base diameter: Approx. 3 inches • Clapper: Present and intact • Condition: Very good vintage condition with light surface wear consistent with age; no visible cracks; glaze pooling typical of the era
The honey-gold reactive glaze and dimensional florals are consistent with mid-century Japanese export souvenir production, particularly pieces sold in high-tourism cities.
The owl form adds cross-collectability appeal:
• Owl collectors • Nashville memorabilia collectors • Vintage souvenir bell collectors • Mid-century Japan ceramic collectors
Why It Matters
Mid-century souvenir bells were widely collected and displayed in curio cabinets throughout the 1950s–70s. While many were mass-produced, the ones that are the most desirable have:
• Strong glaze saturation • Intact clappers • Clear graphic city identification • Good dimensional modeling
