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Swedish-style Bells
Swedish bells are the "big boys" of the horse bell world, often measuring 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Their size gives these bells a much louder, deeper "clanging" sound. Many Swedish bells (sometimes called Swiss or Norwegian bells) were made in America, then exported to Scandanavian countries, where they were very popular. A distinctive feature of the cast Swedish bells is the narrow throats (slits) that are cut into each bell after it is cast. The throats of other types of sleigh bells are usually formed during the casting process. Traditional Swedish bells are cast brass. They have a distinct ridge around the middle and a graceful tulip shape. They are found in sizes from 1 3/4" to 3 1/4" diameter, although bells 2 1/4" and larger are the most common. A less common cast Swedish bell has a plump oval profile. We've nicknamed them "fat Albert" bells based on their rotund shape and the letter "A" we've seen on some. We have seen Fat Albert bells ranging in size from 1 1/2" to 3 1/4" diameter. A third type, called "improved Swedish" or "new pattern Swedish" by the original makers, were spherical bells stamped and formed from heavy sheet brass. These bells come in sizes ranging by 1/4" increments from 2 1/4" to 3" in diameter. Because of their heft, most antique Swedish bells have a loop base that allows these heavy bells to be securely attached to their strap. Some older Swedish bells, generally in the smaller sizes, have a rivet or screw base or a shank base. All modern Swedish bells have a shank base. These are attached to their strap with a standard figure-8 bell pin. The larger Swedish bells are traditionally mounted on a rump (or hip) strap -- a wide, short strap of heavy leather with two to eight large bells that lies over the horse's back. Smaller "Fat Albert" bells are often found on neck straps padded with straw or animal hair. The bells may be graduated in size or all the same size. The strap is made of two layers of medium weight leather that are stitched together along their long edges. Hair or other fiber is packed between the leather layers to form a padded strap. One style of padded neck strap buckles into a circle and is long enough to go completely around the horse's collar. Another style of "collar bell" is actually two shorter straps, each with 5 or so bells on it. Each strap snaps or buckles onto a hame along the side of the horse's neck. (Hames are the two metal arms that go around the collar). |
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| Traditional Swedish bell, 2 1/2" diameter, showing its three sawed throats. | A "fat Albert" bell with a delicate engraved design. Cast brass, about 3" diameter. | "Improved" Swedish bell. Machine stamped brass, 3 inches in diameter. |
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A slot is cut in the main bell strap for each bell. A narrow "lock" strap is cut to slide through the loop on the base of the bell. A liner strap (not shown) is cut to the same width and length as the main strap. The liner protects the horse from being irritated or pinched by the bell loop and its locking strap. A "fat Albert" bell is shown here and in the middle photo. |
The wide loop on the base of each Swedish bell is inserted through a slot in the main strap. The lock strap is then threaded through the loop on the bell to lock it onto the main strap. The liner strap (not shown) completes the leather sandwich. |
Side view of the finished rump strap with four traditional Swedish bells. The four leather loops between each pair of bells hold the main bell strap and liner strap together. |
