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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.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Medieval Style 'Billy and Charley' Fantasy Pendant
19th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £91
By William Smith and Charles Eaton; obverse: head with radiate crown; reverse: crowned figure with dagger and chalice. 112 grams, 10.7 cm
From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.
"Billy and Charlies", also known as the Shadwell forgeries, refer to a very extensive series of fake antiquities made in Victorian London by William Smith (Billy) and Charles Eaton (Charley). They were mudlarks who searched the Thames for items of value. William Edwards, a London antique dealer, made Billy's acquaintance around about 1845, and he met Charley some years later. He paid them for items of interest that they found. Billy and Charley earned money from this until 1857, when they decided to counterfeit antiquities. They cast objects from lead or pewter, cutting dies into plaster of Paris moulds with nails and knives, and bathing the finished items in acid to simulate aging. Their commonest products were medallions, but others included daggers, statuettes, ampullae and even small shrines; as they were both illiterate the inscriptions on many of the objects are nonsense. They sold their forgeries to very prominent collectors of the time who thought they were genuine. Eventually, due to the large volume of objects that were appearing on the market, they were arrested and tried at court though they could not be found guilty of any crime at the time. They were released and carried on producing fakes but their style of manufacture had become well known and they eventually disappeared from history. -
Tudor Period Bronze Decorated Ring
15th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Flat shank with raised vertical bands, five octagonal rosette motifs. 1.135 grams. 18.07 mm.
Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Essex, UK, collector. Accompanied by an old typed information card. -
Neoclassical Red Jasper Cameo Pair
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7
Comprising: mature facing male mask with tousled hair and full beard; female bust in three-quarter view with crimped hair, disc brooch to right shoulder. 7.29 grams total, 21-22 mm
Private collection, England.
