In 1950, the United States government commissioned the Foundry to create 54 replicas of the famous Liberty Bell. The replicas were given to each state – 49, at that time – and to the four U.S. territories (Alaska, Hawaii, Virgin Island and Puerto Rico) as part of a U.S. Savings Bonds campaign. The 54th bell was offered by the US Government to the City of Annecy, in recognition of art and craftsmanship and to recall that freedom is a common heritage for France and the USA. Before arriving at their destinations, the bells toured their states, with trucks decorated in red, white, and blue provided by the Ford Motor Company for transport.