Ships Bells

At Restoration Online, we have a huge range of door hardware for your front door. We understand that first impressions count, and our team is here to help you select the perfect items to make your entrance stand out. Our Ships Bells are the perfect first step to creating that unique, traditional look. Choose from our variety of nautical doorbells in different shapes and finishes. Our old fashioned ships bells are supplied with a rope and the screws to attach the brackets to your wall.

Our hardware is designed to fit into a range of traditional design aesthetics. Whether your home is a Federation style house, a grand Queenslander, a Californian Bungalow, a Country cottage or an Art Deco building, you will find the perfect items for your doors and windows at Restoration Online.

What is the purpose of a Ships Bell?

Ship’s bells were originally used on a ship to tell the time, sound alarms and to regulate sailors’ duty-watches. Traditionally, these bells were made of brass or bronze, with the name of the ship engraved. This was often the only way to identify a ship after a shipwreck.

These days, ships bells are commonly used as a decorative feature for a front door. They are a great alternative to a standard doorbell, creating old world charm at your front entrance. Our range of Ships Bells are made by Tradco Hardware, and are solid brass, in keeping with the original material used. Brass is a great metal for use outside as it doesn’t rust, although polished brass will tarnish over time – but this is often the desired outcome, resulting in an antique, aged appearance.

A Ships Bell would usually be installed right next to your front door, with the rope hanging for visitors to easily ring the bell upon arrival. Our range includes finishes such as Matte Black, Satin Chrome, Satin Brass and Antique Copper, perfect to suit any style of door and match your door hardware.

What are the types of doorbells?

A ships bell is a charming option for a front door bell, but there are other styles to choose from. Of course there are the modern “smart doorbells” which include a camera, however these are quite pricey and also do not look very attractive.

Interior designers and renovators tend to go for a more traditional style of door bell as they combine functionality with beauty.

Our manual doorbells are a popular option as they do not require wiring by an electrician, they can simply be installed by your carpenter or builder. These consist of a turn button on the outside, which is usually placed on the door but can also be installed on the wall next to the door. This is connected to the bell by a rod that runs through the door or wall, so the bell on the inside rings when you turn the knob. These come in both classic and more ornate designs, and in Tradco’s signature range of finishes including Polished Brass, Antique Brass, Antique Copper, Chrome and Matte Black.

If you’d prefer an electric doorbell, which is wired in by an electrician, our doorbell buttons might be suitable. These basically just replace the ugly white button that comes with most standard doorbells from hardware stores. Your electrician can swap the buttons over so you have the much more appealing, metal button instead. These come in a few shapes and sizes and in a variety of finishes, some simple and some more decorative.

What hardware do I need for a front door?

The essential hardware for a front door is a door handle, a lock, and hinges. These are the basic items you require. Many people choose to add other decorative items to their front doors such as door knockers, centre door knobs, letter plates and house numbers. Browse our huge range of architectural fittings to find the perfect hardware for your front door.

Choose from our huge range of door handles including door knobs, lever door handles and entry door handlesets. The type of handle you choose will depend on the style and era of your home, as well as your personal preference. These come in a vast range of finishes, sizes and styles to suit the personality of your home. Once you select your handle, the website will prompt you to choose the appropriate lock, or you can browse our range of locks and latches, including deadbolts.

Our selection of hinges includes loose pin hinges, fixed pin hinges and ball bearing hinges – we have options for any size or type of door. Your builder will usually advise the size and type of hinges you require, but we are happy to assist if needed.

How do I order a Ships Bell?

Once you’ve chosen the colour and size of Ships Bell you require, simply add it to your cart. Before heading to the checkout, make sure there are no other items you require for your door or home, such as door handles, hinges, window hardware or light switches. When you’ve made all your selections, just follow the easy prompts at our checkout and place your order. Your items will be on their way to you, whether you’re in a capital city such as Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide, a regional area in Australia or even overseas. If you need any assistance placing your order, our friendly team is here to help via email, phone or Live Chat.

Complete your front door look with door handles, hinges and more door hardware in our huge range of architectural fittings.