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]

Provenance

Acquired on the UK art market.
From the private collection of Mr G.B., Hampshire, UK.

Literature

Cf. Keegan, Hughes, Brock and Hawthorne, Horse Bells, NHBS, 1988, pp.8-11 and 15 for much information and images.

Footnotes

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.

CONDITION

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LOT 2173