Selection of Post-Medieval Bronze Crotal Bells with Maker's Mark

Pair of Post-Medieval Crotal Bells with Founder's R.W. Initials

Selection of Post-Medieval Bronze Crotal Bells with Maker’s Mark

Name: Selection of Post-Medieval Bronze Crotal Bells with Maker's Mark
SKU: JW-33
Availability: InStock

£ 30.00

An excellent selection of Post-Medieval bronze crotal bells, consisting of a round, globular shape and an integral suspension loop. The bells feature two drilled ‘sound holes’ to the upper-hemisphere of the body, and a sound bow along the bottom of the bell. This cut-out bow displays the hollow interior with a small iron clapper pellet inside. A girth rib encircles the bells, sectioning them into two hemispheres. The bells feature geometric decorative markings which radiate outwards from the sound bow, some to the upper and lower-hemisphere, while others feature only a patterned lower-hemisphere. The mark of the bell-founder’s hammer ‘T’ is below the sound bow, and adds further embellishment to the design.

PRICED INDIVIDUALLY

Date: 14th century AD onwards
Provenance: From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
Condition: Good condition. All the bells feature earthy encrustations, scratches, and patination to the surface, as consistent with age.

Choice of item

Clear

SKU: JW-33 Category: Ancient Tools & Equipment Tags: Floral, Foliage, Geometric Design, Globular Shape, Horses, Patination

Description
Additional information

Crotal bells, also called Rumbler bells, were used from the early medieval period onwards, with the earliest found in England dating to the beginning of the 13th century. Their uses ranged from adorning clothing, as signalling tools, and as attachments to livestock. One common usage of the bell was as a fixing to the harness of a horse, or frame of a horse-drawn wagon, in order to alert passers-by or fellow travellers of one’s presence. Made in a variety of sizes and metals, including tin, copper-alloy, iron and bronze, the bells contained a small clapper pellet, made from metal or stone, which would create a sound when moved. These particular bells are a fine example of the later manufacturing ingenuity in around 1400s of the one-piece cast, a production technique which has sustained for over 400 years. A variety of decorative designs, including foliage, sunburst, or fish-scale patterns are evident, as well as often including the founder’s mark or initials to the lower-hemisphere. Such displays of ornamentation hint at the desire to display the status and wealth of the owner, as well as the artistic skill of the maker.