Other Bells
Classic Bells specializes in antique sleigh and horse bells made by North American manufacturers. We do not have much information about other types of bells or bells made in other countries, such as those shown below.
French animal bells. Crotal bells similar to the bell shown below were made in France about 1880. This series of bells featured about a dozen different animals and flowers and were made in at least 8 sizes. (1) The bell pictured below, found in Germany, has leaping or rearing horses on either side of the throat (slit) and lion's heads circling the shank. A corroded iron bell pin is still in place on the shank.
All three images above are copyrighted by Titus Jonas, all rights reserved.
Indian and Asian bells. We often receive inquiries about inexpensive brass bells that are made in India, China, and other Asian countries. These bells are typically intended for use as gifts and souvenirs -- not as horse bells. The Asian and Indian bells shown below (L to R): one bell in a string of five Bells of Sarna, bells with holiday inscriptions, a small "dance bell" often sewn onto clothing.
Collectible bells. Some companies offer sterling silver, silver-plated, or nickel silver collectible bells. Although these bells look similar to horse bells, they are intended for display only. Reed Barton, Gorham, Towle, Leonard, Hallmark, and Wallace are company names to research. The collectible bells shown below (L to R) are from Wallace, Gorham, and Reed & Barton.
Hawk or falconer's bells. Falconer's bells are small bells that are attached to the legs of captive hawks, eagles, falcons and other raptors used for hunting. Some horse bells are similar in shape to falconer's bells, but they are much too large and heavy to be worn by birds. Below from L to R: Bell from Pakistan; bell made by Ricardo Velarde, USA; bell from the Book of Days by Robert Chambers, 1869.
For more information. One way to find out more about your bells is to contact the American Bell Association. Another option is to use a search engine Ssuch as Google. Type in the keyword "bell" or "bells" and other keywords that describe your bell.
References:
(1) Don Livingston, sleigh bell collector. Personal communication, 2 April 2010.