Bell metal

[2] This metal combination produces a tough, long-wearing material that is resistant to oxidation and subject only to an initial surface weathering.

Taking into consideration overall properties, such as tensile strength, hardness, wear resistance, cast quality, sound, and cost, the optimum alloy can probably be obtained by having a type bronze composition as: ~20wt.% tin, < 2wt.% nickel, < 1.5wt.% lead, ~0.01wt.% phosphorus, < 1wt.% antimony, with balance of copper.

[nb 2] In Java, bell metal mixtures including tin were also used for the manufacture of figurines, objets d'art, sculptures and household goods for the wealthy.

Later, disaffected smiths and noble entourages emigrating from Java brought these cannon-founding skill to Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Myanmar.

[11][12] When Ternate was captured by the Spanish, they were astounded to find over 3,000 very finely cast bell metal cannons in the walled compound, although humorously to the Spaniards these were tied upright to veranda poles, used as lingam household decorations rather than weapons.

[10] The Spanish and Portuguese were equally astounded to find their European bronze cannon offerings to the Javanese rejected as inferior in quality, as they rightly were.

[citation needed] In the state of Kerala, urulis (odu vessels) bring back memories of chakka varatti (jackfruit halva).

In summer when jackfruits are available aplenty, huge quantities of chakka varatti would be made in the backyard over a log fire and consumed in a trice, the richness of fruits, jaggery and ghee.

[citation needed] Vengalai panai (also made from a kind of bell metal) is synonymous with a Tamil bride's first pongal when freshly harvested rice is offered to the sun god with turmeric and sugarcane.