BRYAN DOUGLAS Antique Silver
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ANTIQUE SILVER BELLS

Antique Silver Bells Description:

A small, usually circular, hollow object with a handle and attached internal clapper. Designed to vibrate when struck, and emit a musical note.

Antique Silver Bells History:

The earliest known examples date from about 1740 but they are rare in silver before 1790. The vast majority were made in the 19th century and they are still being made today.

Antique Silver Bells Design:

They were used regularly and on view in various situations. The early ones were often originally part of an inkstand, and were used to summon a servant to deliver a letter. Most took the form of an inverted cup with a flaring mouth, a vertical handle to hold, and an internal clapper. As a general rule they were very plain with maybe bands of ribbing around the base of the bell (often called the sound-bow), but later Victorian ones were often hand-engraved.

Antique Silver Bells Collectors Note:

The level of craftsmanship and their aesthetic qualities determine their value. But they must also be undamaged with good clear hallmarks and crisp detail. The clapper should also be part-marked.