File:BELL (FindID 985574).jpg

A Post Medieval 18th Century AD copper alloy Crotal Bell, with extensive petalled design all over the bell. On the base is a foundry mark - "10"; the fastening loop on the top is broken.

The bell comprises two hemispherical domes with a raised circumferential join. The upper hemisphere has two circular sound holes with the beginnings of a rectangular loop projecting from the top between them. The upper edges of this loop has been lost to an old abraded break. The hole would have been oval in shape. 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. Corrosion product and soil remains inside the bell such that it is not possible to tell if the pea survives.

The upper hemisphre has a moulded floral decoration. The lower hemisphere is decorated with moulded lines radiating out from the central area in a petal design. In the centre in a raised circular border is the number 10 which is the foundry mark.

No identical raised inscription is listed on the UK Detector finds database (<a href="http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/pages/crotal-bells.html">http://www.ukdfd.co.uk/pages/crotal-bells.html</a>) although several inscriptions begin with an I. 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.