File:BELL (FindID 982787).jpg

A complete but very worn Post Medieval copper alloy crotal Bell dating to the period 16th -17th Century AD.

The bell comprises two hemispherical domes with a raised circumferential join now very worn and not very clear. The upper hemisphere has two small circular sound holes with a rectangular loop projecting from the top between them. The upper edges of this loop are bevelled  while the hole is sub-oval. The curve of the bell continues under the loop aperture suggesting it was made using a detachable 'sprue-piece'; this method was introduced in the 17th century. The lower hemisphere has a long, wide sound slit with circular holes at the ends. This is set almost at right angles to the holes in the upper hemisphere. The iron pea is still inside the bell.

Radiating from the loop around the whole of the upper hemisphere is a moulded petal pattern made of concentric u-shaped ridges the bases of which join the attachment loop. The lower hemisphere is decorated with indented lines radiating out from the central area in a similar petal design. In the centre close to the slit is a founder hammers in a shield design which is the foundry mark.

Contemporary illustrations often show bells worn as sets on the harnesses of larger animals such as oxon and donkeys and this bell would be appropriate for such a use. Similar to Cuddeford "Identifying Metallic Small Finds", pp 4, 5, No. 4