✅ SOLVED Crotal bells

Hoosier Digger · Nov 8, 2015

I found both of these crotal bells at a 1910 homesite in Indiana. I'm trying to figure out an age on these. One is marked W B and the only reference I can find to this maker's mark is to bells made by William Barton (1762-1849); however, I find it hard to believe this bell is that old. The second bell is marked with a 2. I cannot find information on this mark. I have seen pictures of bells with several different numbers, so does it reference size or position in a sequence of sleigh bells? I just do not have experience with crotal bells. Thanks in advance for your help.

Terry Soloman · Nov 8, 2015

They are "Petal" bells. This should help you Classic Bells: Petal (Rim, Rumbler) Sleigh Bells

Hoosier Digger · Nov 8, 2015

Thanks! Nice article. Thank you for clarifying their correct name. (Like I said, I have no experience with bells.) From that article as well as the one I had originally researched, it would indeed appear my bell was made by William Barton. I am just so surprised it is really that old. They sure hold up well if that is the case. I guess the 2 on the second bell designates size in some way, but I'm still not positive.