These antique stamped-brass bells have a distinctive ring of patent dates marked around their base. They are a particularly nice bell to own -- sturdy, pleasant sounding, and attractive.
Major George W. Tucker held the 1876 and 1878 patents for the ingenious process of forming these bells from flat sheet brass.
Tucker was a prominent, respected citizen of Waterbury, Massachusetts, and an officer in the American Ring Company, the manufacturer of his bells. In 1886, he ruined his reputation and was dismissed in disgrace from American Ring for embezzling a substantial sum of money.
This particular strap of 28 patent bells, 1 1/4" diameter, is made from chestnut bridle leather about 1 inch wide and a bit over 6 1/2 feet long.
The new solid brass buckle is attached to the strap with a precise line of decorative stitching. The bells are spaced 2 1/2 inches apart along the strap based on measurements from the original bell strap.
This particular item is a custom, one-of-a-kind project made for a past client. Items in this Custom Projects section are for information only; they are not available for regular sale.
