Analysis of the metal sampled from a Chinese <i>chung (clapperless bell) by x-ray diffraction and x-ray fluorescence spectrometry showed it to be 99% copper. Earthen core material from the handle was dated by thermoluminescence and gave 1500±350 B.C. Differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis of the same core material supported the belief that it had been heated to more than 400°C. -- AATA