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 date to the early 1800s. Eight of the twelve bells have maker's marks; the remaining four bells are plain. Makers marks include NM (maker unknown), WH (maker unknown), and SN (Seth North). Learn more about American horse bell makers....
The bells are arranged in an unusual way -- one large bell at one end, four smaller bells, two large center bells, another group of four smaller, and a final large bell at the other end.
Several of the bells have hairline cracks or small holes. This damage is fairly unobtrusive. One SN bell has a more visible open crack on the top. These condition issues are the result of decades of normal use and are typical of many early 1800s bells. Click "See more images" (left) to see larger photos of the bells and strap.
The bells were fastened onto the bell strap with a leather lace. A lace was a commonly way to fasten bells onto a strap in the early 1800s. I suspect sturdy leather lace was easier to come by back in those days and bells from that era have larger shanks to accommodate the lace.
There is a thin leather lining sewn in place around all edges. The closely-spaced stitches were sewn by machine along one side of the strap before the bells were installed. After the bells were fastened in place, the other side of the strap was sewn shut by hand with tidy stitches slightly longer than the machine stitches. Flax (linen) thread was used throughout.
The brownish-black strap is about 45" long from buckle to tip and 1 1/2" wide.
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.
