Rights Holder: Sussex Archaeological Society
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BELL
Unique ID: SUSS-095537
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A complete, worn, cast copper-alloy crotal or rumbler bell of Post-Medieval date, c, AD 1550 - 1700.
The bell is sub circular in plan and profile, with an integrally cast sub rectangular suspension loop at the top. The edges of the rectangular suspension loop have been bevelled. A moulded rib runs around the circumference of the bell separating the upper and lower hemispheres.The underside of the bell has a rectangular slot across the base, with circular terminals. The iron 'pea' is still present inside the bell. The upper hemisphere is decorated with a sunburst pattern of elongated ovoid petals radiating from the apex and the lower hemisphere is decorated with a fish-scale pattern.
Measurements: height 38.75mm; diameter at seam: 29.80mm; weight: 34.83mm.
The bell was cast in one piece, using two opposing moulds and this production method, the drilled suspension loop and decorative elements suggest a 16th to 17th century date. Other similar examples include: SUR-0B2F6E; IOW-661387 and BH-537EB6.
Class: crotal
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1550
Date to: Circa AD 1700
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Height: 38.75 mm
Weight: 34.83 g
Diameter: 29.8 mm
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 13th February 2021
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: West Sussex (County)
District: Chichester (District)
To be known as: near Chichester
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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