S/3406 Antique 18th Century Bronze Crotal or Rumble Bell

A small 18th century bronze crotal or rumble bell, used on horse-drawn vehicles to warn others that one was approaching on country roads, having a green dark patination. The older ones were forged while later ones were cast. They were hung on a small leather and iron harness bracket above the horse's collar or on larger vehicles on the wooden frame. The main maker of these items was Robert Wells of Sherborne in Dorset, and occasionally one finds them stamped with his hallmark.

Sold 2 in. (5 cm.) High
1½ in. (4 cm.) Diameter English Circa 1780