Sleigh Bells

Reanm8er · Sep 5, 2018

Howdy Folks, Lately there have been some postings of individual sleigh bells that were found or dug.
If you've never seen a full set, here the are.

Hillbilly Prince · Sep 5, 2018

Love these. How old are they?

Reanm8er · Sep 5, 2018

HP, I know they're a hundred yrs old but can't say when my folks acquired them. Allegedly they were on my grandfather's sleigh when he courted my grandmother. That would have been just after WW1. I know the first post I saw of an individual bell listed them as crotal bells. I looked that up in bing images and found a whole bunch just like this. I didn't cruise to see if they were attributed to a manufacturer but some with the same design had trademarks. In the 19th century the finest tack and saddles were imported from England. My folks never through anything away so who knows?

Thanks for your interest and good hunting!

Terry Soloman · Sep 5, 2018

I can see markings on the bottom of the Petal bell close up. Check it out for maker and date:

https://classicbells.com/info/Petal.html

https://classicbells.com/info/DatingBells.html

A2coins · Sep 5, 2018

I have a piece exactly like those I always thought it was a partial crotia bell

Reanm8er · Sep 5, 2018

You're right Terry, They're all numbered and one bell has B&L stamped on it but that may be a replacement. Thanks for looking.

New Britain, Connecticut

William H. Belden and Isaac N. Lee

B & L maker's mark on larger petal bells.
Smaller bells are unmarked, but otherwise have the same design details as the larger bells.

This New Britain, Connecticut, foundry operated from the early 1830s through 1841, when the foundry was destroyed by fire. (6) Bells have a drilled shank.

Hillbilly Prince · Sep 5, 2018

Very interesting stuff. Bet they sound great.

Reanm8er · Sep 5, 2018

Here's some fresh info folks.

New Britain, Connecticut

William H. Belden and Isaac N. Lee

B & L maker's mark on larger petal bells.
Smaller bells are unmarked, but otherwise have the same design details as the larger bells.

This New Britain, Connecticut, foundry operated from the early 1830s through 1841, when the foundry was destroyed by fire. (6) Bells have a drilled shank.

Reanm8er · Sep 5, 2018

New info, They're very loud. my Mom used to but them running down the banister with the last four bells hanging free. Every one who came in the house Christmas morn had to shake them.

New Britain, Connecticut

William H. Belden and Isaac N. Lee

B & L maker's mark on larger petal bells.
Smaller bells are unmarked, but otherwise have the same design details as the larger bells.

This New Britain, Connecticut, foundry operated from the early 1830s through 1841, when the foundry was destroyed by fire. (6) Bells have a drilled shank.

Terry Soloman · Sep 5, 2018

Now how cool is that?! :headbang:

sandchip · Sep 5, 2018

Reanm8er said:
...They're very loud...

I wonder how the horse felt about all the racket!

What a great family treasure and great story about your grandparents.

Reanm8er · Sep 5, 2018

Using Sleigh Bells

Back then with the winters as they were there was no provision that would light the trail well enough to see oncoming traffic. As you glided along on the snowy icy track, in the moonlight, you were obliged to listen for the sound of oncoming bells. That's why they were so darned loud and in every conceivable range of human hearing, as well as an explanation why many strings like this one had numerous bells of questionable manufacture. No doubt smithies farriers, and hostellers would offer a menial sum for strings of bells that needed a complete overhaul. They could then salvage the bells and replace them by number into their original places on someone else's string. There are some bells on my string that are nearly shattered perhaps due to a more vigorous jolt in a gallop or canter, or Grandpop's courting. LOL. My GG Grandfather was a Cullers (Kohler) from the Ruhr Valley and maintained a smithy in Page county. Since the Kohlers made and cast all kinds of bells cannon and other iron and bronze necessities I expect trading in these was Gravy!
Once again thanks for the interest!