Lot 198: Late 19th or Early 20th Century Cast Copper Alloy Handbell with Turned Wooden Handle
A large handheld signaling bell, typically associated with school or municipal use, dating from the late Victorian or Edwardian period. The bell body is sand-cast from a copper alloy, such as bell metal or bronze, and features a prominent shoulder leading to a lathe-turned wooden handle. The shoulder is incised with the number 10, likely indicating a size or pattern reference, adjacent to a small circular mark. The handle shows a mellowed finish with graining characteristic of a hardwood. This type of bell was a standard implement for town criers or schoolmasters in Britain during the turn of the century.
Condition report:
The bell exhibits a heavy, dark-aged patina across its exterior. Significant green verdigris corrosion and oxidation are concentrated around the bottom rim and the interior edge, suggesting historic exposure to damp environments. The turned wooden handle shows surface wear, minor scuffs, and a loss of original polish consistent with age and regular handling. The internal clapper appears present, though its specific condition is obscured.
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