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!!

 

[muddpuppy]

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

Thanks Mr. Monster. I was blessed to find that particular one. I also have several others and now trying to come up with a way to display them. Keep Swinging!!