ProvenanceThe CHEOPIS was wrecked at Apollo Bay on 22 January 1954. The bell was salvaged from the wreck. Cheopis means flea.
CHEOPIS was a steel single screw steamship, ON156011, 55 gross, 25 net tons. 70.0 x 14.0 x 5.3. Built 1914 Robinson Bros. Melbourne. Compound steam engine, 34nhp, by shipbuilder, 10 knots. Owners South Australian Government's Customs and Health Department (Built as a boarding launch) Taken out of service and towed to Melbourne by SS Lady Loch Oct. 21, 1932. Sold and in 1934 registered at Port Adelaide by Kangaroo Island Transport Co. Ltd and intended for a service between Cape Jervis and Kangaroo Island. This was not successful and she was eventually sold and converted into a shark fishing boat no later than 1946. Eventually she became the property of Mr J Anderson, of Apollo Bay, Vic. who unofficially renamed her Black Witch.SignificanceA ship's bell carried the spirit and identity of the vessel. They marked watch, shifts, weather, approaching dangers and even the end for a ship in trouble. They are highly prized and were almost always salvaged or kept after a vessel was decommissioned or broken up.DescriptionBrass bell from the CHEOPIS on purpose built wooden display stand. The bell is of medium size and traditional design with some minimal linear decoration at the top and base. 'CHEOPIS/ 1914' is painted neatly in black on the front. The stand is made of a darkly stained timber with a flat base, turned sides and flat top. The bell's clanger is attached and working. A small piece of roping is attached to its end.AcknowledgementDate of Creation1914Date of UsageMaterialBrass
|wood
|string
|metals DimensionType: Total
Height: 295
Width: 295
Depth: 460
Unit (Lengths): mm Accession NumberHT 2004.0645
