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Band Bells

This angular style of bell appears to have been popular about the same time as the egg and round bells - in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The original manufacturers called them "band" or "bevel" bells.

Band bells generally have one throat with no holes at the ends, but occasionally we find band bells with two throats. All band bells have a rivet-style base circled by four holes. More about rivet-style bells... Many were plated with nickel, although this plating is mostly gone on most of the bells seen today.

Band bells are all about 1 1/4 inches in diameter. These bells were usually attached 2 to 3 inches apart in a single row on an unlined leather body strap. The strap was typically 7/8 to 1 inch wide and 7 to 7 1/2 feet long.

References

(1) Starr Bros. Bell Co., Bells Catalog 63, published 1915.

(2) Abner Bevin, Design for Sleigh-Bells, US Patent 9730, issued February 6, 1877.

Flat top band bell

The "flat" band bell with a gently pointed, conical top is the most common style. The left-hand bell still has traces of its original nickel plating. Starr Bros. Bell Co. (1) and William E. Barton, among others, made this style.

Pointed top band bell

A "pointed" band bell with a sharp peak was made by Bevin Bros. Mfg. Co. (2)

Double throat band bell

Single-throat band bells are the most common, but some had two throats, such as this example.

Rounded top band bell

Home > Learn more > Sleigh bell designs > Band bells

Band Bells

The "flat" band bell with a gently pointed, conical top is the most common style. The left-hand bell still has traces of its original nickel plating. Starr Bros. Bell Co. (1) and William E. Barton, among others, made this style.

A "pointed" band bell with a sharp peak was made by Bevin Bros. Mfg. Co. (2)

Single-throat band bells are the most common, but some had two throats, such as this example.

This unusual band bell with a rounded top was produced by an unknown maker.