Vintage Swiss Cow Bell with Swiss (Suisse) Flag Emblem and Festive Leather Loop Hanger

Collectibles : Vintage : Swiss : Suisse : Cow Bell

 

Generally all Alpine cattle wear cow bells when left grazing in the meadow in case they wander off. This type of decorative clanging bell was used "for festive occasions such as the colorful spring and winter cow drives, taking the cattle up to the high pastures in the spring and back to the valley pastures in the fall." (*1) The larger the bell, the more expensive they became. This type of Vintage bell seems to be pre-1970's and hand forged . The machine-stitched, green, leather, loop, hanger bears a colorful fringe typical of the decorative cow bell. This 1/2 pound heavy bell has a brass emblem attached to the hanger that depicts a cabin with the Swiss flag flying out front. The actual bell bears the Swiss Flag in an attached emblem and also has the word Swiss (Suisse) above. It APPEARS TO BE BRASS WITH COPPER PLATING but it may indeed be a brass colored metal (steel?) with copper plating. These types of bells make a clanging sound that was intended to be heard for miles. This bell measures approx. 3 1/3" wide and 8 1/4" tall including the leather loop, 3 1/2" tall without the leather hanger and has a long solid clapper . The bell does appear to have been worn, the fringe is a little dirty and the copper color worn in spots, adding character and vintage appeal.

Item ID: METBL02

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Footnoted Information from Oley Sled Works Internet Site.