General Antiques and Collectibles Spring Auction
Lot 182:
Description
C-18000
Two hand-rung brass bells, each fitted with a turned wooden handle. The larger example features a wide flared skirt with warm patinated brass and a polished hardwood grip, while the smaller retains more silvered finish with a darker toned handle and slender waist. Both exhibit lathe-turned details at the junctions of bell and handle, emphasizing their utilitarian yet decorative craftsmanship. These bells would have served as schoolroom, service, or household call bells, their clear tones cutting through noise and distance. The heavier, broad-based bell produces a deeper resonance, while the smaller form provides a higher, sharper pitch-together embodying the range of uses common to hand-rung signal bells of the period.
Both show surface wear, tarnish, and handling marks consistent with age and use.
Larger: 6.5" dia x 10" H
Share this lot:
