🔎 UNIDENTIFIED Small brass bell- no markings

[Underwonder]

Hi friends,

OK, I know it is a bell but am looking to learning a bit more about it. This was recently found at an historic mid 1800s home with significant ties to the founding of the town (in RI). I love it and so do the owners of the property but we would like to donate it to the town’s Heritage Association given the connection to the village’s founding. (Slatersville).

There are no markings on the bell and it has a very soft and gentle ring.

The handle resembles a cross so might it be church related? Was it a bell that attached to a door? Could it be a servant’s bell? Was it just a toy? ..or a household decoration?

I am looking to learn more about the bell.

Thanks for looking!
Kim

 

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[ironhorse]

Neat !
With the cruciform top on it I wonder if it was once in a church.
Or summon the butler...either could work lol

 

[Blackfoot58]

My guess would be Sanctus Bell. They were used during Holy Communion (Eucharist) to emphasize key moments in the service. The design leads me to suspect this: essentially a cross-within-a-cross. Also, its design has some embellishment but is fairly plain. This would lead me to think Anglican, of a certain period as opposed to Catholic. Also, a Sanctus bell would have a diminutive ring that was soft enough to not interrupt the Eucharist, yet it would have a musical, clear tone.

 

[ARC]

I think you have a Christmas bell... perhaps one of the carolers drops.
Looks like pewter from pictures.

 

[Underwonder]

My guess would be Sanctus Bell. They were used during Holy Communion (Eucharist) to emphasize key moments in the service. The design leads me to suspect this: essentially a cross-within-a-cross. Also, its design has some embellishment but is fairly plain. This would lead me to think Anglican, of a certain period as opposed to Catholic. Also, a Sanctus bell would have a diminutive ring that was soft enough to not interrupt the Eucharist, yet it would have a musical, clear tone.

It was near a Congregational Church but closer to the home! I wondered about a possible Eucharist bell.

 

[Underwonder]

I think you have a Christmas bell... perhaps one of the carolers drops.
Looks like pewter from picture

I think you have a Christmas bell... perhaps one of the carolers drops.
Looks like pewter from pictures.

Thanks! I can imagine that! The photo is deceiving..It rang up as and looks like brass.