A NICE SLEIGH (PETAL) BELL WITH A RUNNING HORSE AND INITIALS!

[muddpuppy]

Hi folks. I found this beauty in the field from a site I found on a 1862 map. It is a small bell, approximately 1 1/4". It features a running horse and the makers initial's W E B. There is lots of history associated with the maker and his family. Here is the web site: https://classicbells.com/Info/bellMakers.html

William E. Barton (b 1826 or 1830?, d 1895) - W E B and a running horse logo on petal bells. William E. patented several innovative designs for sleigh bells and bell straps in the mid 1800s. One of his patents from the 1860s describes the way he drilled and tapped the base of bells so they could be fastened to a strap with machine screws, rather than the more common rivets. Another patent covers a unique method for attaching buckles to bell straps. (5)
From the bells we have seen, William E. made petal, round ridge, egg, stamped egg, and "Eastlake" style bells in the 1 1/4" to 1 3/8" size range. Many of these bells were plated with soft nickel or tin. Although only his petal bells had his initials and running horse maker's mark, all of his bells can be identified by his patented machine screw fasteners.

AS always, thanks for looking and Keep Swinging!!

 

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[dirtdigginfool]

That is one beauty of a bell, Mudpuppy! Excellent back story, enjoyed your post very much...thx for sharing, Ddf

 

[IndianaBonesMD]

Very nice find, love finding the old crotal bells.

 

[vpnavy]

Nice find muddpuppy!

 

[CASPER-2]

 

[CRUSADER]

Very nice, that lifts an ordinary bell! Very cool.

 

[cajamk]

The swinging gods were with you on that find!! Nice!!

 

[Mr. Digger]

Amazing to find that much detailed info on a crotal bell. Great find, great post.

 

[digging440yrs]

William E. Barton, W.E.B. [born 1826 - died 1895 ]. Grandson of Captain William Barton, W.B. on bells . W.E.B. with horse logo made at East Hampton foundry probly between 1850 and 1880---cool find---Tom

 

[trapperart]

Nice find and story congrats

 

[against the wind]

Great condition, nicely done on the historical research.
Congrats on a sweet find.

 

[fishstick]

That is awesome looking and PERSONAL !!!!!!! CONGRATZ......

 

[bill_wabo]

Best looking crotal bell seen here, congrats!

 

[muddpuppy]

William E. Barton, W.E.B. [born 1826 - died 1895 ]. Grandson of Captain William Barton, W.B. on bells . W.E.B. with horse logo made at East Hampton foundry probly between 1850 and 1880---cool find---Tom

Thanks for the info Tom. Keep Swinging!!

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Beautiful bell find, congratulations!

 

[ironhorse]

I always love finding bells!
I like yours, it's cool how far those travelled around the world because I have found one too!
Lots of different ones out there!

 

[The Aluminum Monster]

Dang. I've dug a few bells but nothing like that. One of the best I've seen because of those initials. Great find!

 

[Carolina Tom]

Awesome story, and a marked crotal bell. I really like this post. Very well played sir!

 

[Relicific]

Nice bell and thanks for the history info

 

[Z.K.]

Beauty!!!