SOLD Ornate Solid Brass Ceremonial Hand Bell

Collectibles : Religious

 

Incredible Sounding Solid Brass Hand Bell. Probably used in religious ceremonies. The Outside Relief Design is beyond Incredible. This has to be the Cadillac of hand bells. It is heavy, and well tuned. I may not be an expert when it comes to bells, but I've heard quite a few in my day. I attended a Catholic School as a child, and I heard the sound of a bell like this as Mass started. I purchased it from the estate of a Catholic Priest, who was also an antique dealer. I knew immediately by the look and the tone, that this bell had to have been used at some point in a Mass or Sacramental Service. A Catholic child never forgets the sound of a Mass bell. It meant an hour of no school work, but it also meant an hour of silence. Thus, the memory.

It is made of solid brass. The high quality of the superb design on the body, curve, and shoulder of the bell appears to be that of a ceremonial type. The handle, is decorated with the bust of an iconic figure. Perhaps the Pope, or god like figure. This figure is topped by a four cornered crown finial. It is an open crown. It reminds me of a Bishops hat. I remember seeing that too in church! The center post beneath the handle is about the only part other than the bottom lip that is not decorated.

Different symbols surround the shoulder, followed by draped swags or garland type decoration on the upper body. Beneath that, is a row of figures, like standing bow ties.( For lack of a better description). The inside of the body is NOT completely smooth, like a bell manufactured with today's technology would be. I have read that the tone of the bell was raised or lowered by removing metal from the inside of the bell. This could account for the lack of smoothness. The tongue, or clapper, measures 2.25" long, and hangs below the body by almost an inch. It is shaped rather like a one eyed base ball bat, with the narrowest part hanging from a closed s shaped heavy wire. This wire hangs from the staple on the dome of the bell. The tongue is not brass, but some other metal. Like a pot metal of some sort. It looks to be hand- forged.

I cannot say the exact age of the bell, however, from the patina of the handle, it looks like it was used quite a bit. It is not worn, just has a nice patina from contact with hands.

Condition is excellent. There are two tiny areas that display light, when put next to a light source.. They are barely visible from the outside. It seems to be from the founding process. Not crack or damage. The bell is 6" tall, 3" wide at mouth. It is bell shaped. Weight is 12.8 ozs.

This piece is a prize for any bell, or religious article collector. Or, if you just want a well tuned beautiful sounding bell to get the kids attention. You never know, it may come with a few prayers attached.

Item ID: BB-0067