These vintage cast-brass bells are traditional "Tiger" bells used in Nepal, Tibet, and nearby regions.
The original strap is thick rawhide (or poorly tanned leather) covered with bright red wool fabric. The rawhide had become brittle and broken, so the owner wanted the bells put on a new strap. The new strap is made to the same length and bell spacing as the original strap, but the new one is a bit wider and not covered in fabric.
There are 11 bells, each about 1 1/4 inches across, on a dark chestnut strap about 49 inches long and 1 1/4 inches wide. I did not polish the bells per the owner's wishes, but I did lightly buff each bell to highlight the details of the tiger's face and remove surface residues.
The bells are laced to the strap with a strong leather lace using the same fastening method as the original. The strap is finished with a sewn-in solid brass buckle and leather keeper.
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.
