This vintage neck strap with antique sleigh bells is offered in the same used condition as we received it. Please click on "See more images" to see larger photos of the strap and the bells.
The solid brass sleigh bells on this neck strap are probably European bells made sometime between the mid 1800s through the early 1900s. Each spherical bell has two delicate grooves circling the equator. All bells are about 1" across.
There are two bells in the center of the strap that have old repairs where a crack or hole was covered with a copper patch. I think each patch was soldered in place. Click "See more images" to see these bells.
The bell strap has a full leather lining on the back. The worn areas on the lining are the result of many years of use on a horse.
The long edges of the bell strap and lining strap have been covered with a thin leather edge binding and then all layers have been hand stitched together with flax (linen) thread. There are some areas, especially at both ends, where the stitching and edge binding are missing due to age and normal wear.
The center of the strap has a narrow buckled strap attached to one side. This was used to fasten the middle of the strap to the horse's harness to keep the bell strap from bouncing around on the horse's neck.
The 5/8" wide buckle and the billet (short strap with holes for the buckle) have been hand stitched to the main strap. The buckle and billet leather appear somewhat newer than the main bell strap, so I think these parts have been replaced to fix damage or excessive wear. The brownish-black strap is about 45" long from buckle to tip and 2 1/8" wide at the widest.
We have only wiped the bells and strap clean of loose grime and dust; we have made no other changes or repairs.
This item is suitable for decorative purposes only. Do not use this strap on a horse or for any other application where strength, safety, and durability are requirements.
Contact me before buying if you have questions. You may return the strap for a refund of your purchase price (no refund of shipping costs) if the item is returned in the same condition it was in when I shipped it to you. This item is sold with no warranty and no guarantee.
One available as shown.
