Anyone have any idea what this is?

[S/V Legacy]

What is the bracket in this picture? It looks like the patina is as old as the boat and its been in place from the early days. Im wondering if anyone else has this bracket, and if it was part of a Pearson option. Also what is it for? Any ideas?

Also, its located on the starboard side companion way entrance.

[eveningebb]

It's for the ship's bell. 

The bell has an arm with an end that fits into the slot.

Dirk S/V Evening Ebb

[S/V Legacy]

Thanks very much! Seems odd the they would place that right in the companionway.

[eveningebb]

Actually it's so you can ring the bell from either the cockpit or from below. Particularly useful in fog.

[dkeith]

Thanks very much! Seems odd the they would place that right in the companionway.

Ours is mounted on the mizzen mast.