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LOT 2173
Large Post Medieval Bronze Crotal Bell
19TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
2 3/4 in. (203 grams, 71 mm).
Spherical crotal, rumbler or 'hame harness' bell with suspension loop and two tone holes to upper half with founder's initials 'Ro / W' for Robert Wells of Aldbourne Foundry, Wiltshire; with the original iron 'pea' inside. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired on the UK art market.
From the private collection of Mr G.B., Hampshire, UK.
Cf. Keegan, Hughes, Brock and Hawthorne, Horse Bells, NHBS, 1988, pp.8-11 and 15 for much information and images.
FootnotesRobert Wells made bells in sizes 1 to 32 and this example is near the largest ever produced. These massive bells were usually fitted to a team bell frame, set across the harness collar; Robert Wells was active in the period 1760-1780.
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AUCTIONS:
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Large Post Medieval Bronze Crotal Bell
19th century A.D. or earlierSold for (Inc. bp): £46
Spherical crotal, rumbler or 'hame harness' bell with suspension loop and two tone holes to upper half with founder's initials 'Ro / W' for Robert Wells of Aldbourne Foundry, Wiltshire; with the original iron 'pea' inside. 203 grams, 71 mm
Acquired on the UK art market. From the private collection of Mr G.B., Hampshire, UK.
Robert Wells made bells in sizes 1 to 32 and this example is near the largest ever produced. These massive bells were usually fitted to a team bell frame, set across the harness collar; Robert Wells was active in the period 1760-1780.