I thought it was a bell but Im not sure

[DownNDirty]

I thought it was a bell but I'm not sure

I found this yesterday at a homesite where I have found a good many relics from the 18th and early 19th century. Based on the patina I'm sure it's period.

It is only an inch tall and has four small holes in the side, equally spaced around the circumference. It is bell-shaped but I don't see any evidence of a "clapper" ever being attached.

 

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[Bruce R]

I thought it was a bell but I'm not sure

The first thing that jumps out at me is a " cap" for some sort of tassel, the but of the tassel could be secured either with pins or stitches through the holes. But, it's also screaming candle snuffer to me, you're just missing the stick/handle.View attachment 1317947View attachment 1317949View attachment 1317950View attachment 1317951

 

[CRUSADER]

Had a few of those 19th C brass items, forgot there use

 

[DownNDirty]

The first thing that jumps out at me is a " cap" for some sort of tassel, the but of the tassel could be secured either with pins or stitches through the holes. But, it's also screaming candle snuffer to me, you're just missing the stick/handle.View attachment 1317947View attachment 1317949View attachment 1317950View attachment 1317951

Thanks Bruce-that was my second guess.

 

[bill from lachine]

Yeah I'd say candle snuffer also.

Regards + HH

Bill

 

[nhbenz]

Perhaps the cup portion of a cup-type caster: Robinson's Antique Hardware - Castors

 

[releventchair]

Perhaps the cup portion of a cup-type caster: Robinson's Antique Hardware - Castors

Great ferreting Ben!
The holes relate to O.P.'s piece, as does flange and internal wear.
My first guess was bird cage bell toy ...l.o.l..

 

[cudamark]

Perhaps the cup portion of a cup-type caster: Robinson's Antique Hardware - Castors

The lower holes look correct for a caster, but, the post doesn't. Did they make a non-caster version of the same design?

 

[bradyboy]

incense burner cover?
Brady

 

[CRUSADER]

Perhaps the cup portion of a cup-type caster: Robinson's Antique Hardware - Castors

That's it, thanks for jogging my grey matter!

 

[releventchair]

The lower holes look correct for a caster, but, the post doesn't. Did they make a non-caster version of the same design?

The ones I've found online have usually off set casters.
While easy to imagine a plain round peg type foot pinned through the bottom hole , my search shows none.
A couple have had foot types with rigid wheels pinned in place.
I've changed my settings and get fewer results though....