Rights Holder: The Portable Antiquities Scheme
CC License: 
Image use policy
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
BELL
Unique ID: WILT-1BFA8A
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A complete cast copper-alloy post-Medieval spherical crotal bell dating to AD 1743-1746. The sub-rectangular suspension loop at the top is about approximately 10.15 mm in length, 13.47 mm in width, 4.33 mm thick and has an oval aperture, measuring approximately 4.3mm in diameter. It weighs 61.82g.
The upper and lower hemispheres are divided by a prominent horizontal circumferential joining rib. At either side of the suspension loop, about half way down the side of the upper hemisphere, is a circular sound hole. Two sound holes in the lower hemisphere are integral with a sound 'slit', running directly underneath and parallel in direction to the suspension loop. Both upper and lower hemispheres have a 'sunburst' or foliate (as in eight radiating petals) design. A spherical iron sound-'pea' is within, but due to oxidisation it does not ring.
On the side of the sound slit is a semi-circular area marked by a low ridge, containing the initials IVS. This is most likely a makers mark, possibly John Stares of Aldbourne, Wilts 1743 - 46. On the database, of thirty six bells with hearts, 20 were recorded in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight or Sussex, with five recorded in Norfolk. Examples include: BERK-39B04F and HAMP-802CB5.
Height: 48 mm; diameter: 39.27mm. Weight: 61.82g.
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 1743
Date to: Circa AD 1746
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Height: 48 mm
Weight: 61.82 g
Diameter: 39.27 mm
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Other reference numbers
Other reference: 2017 - 04
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: South West (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Wiltshire (Unitary Authority)
District: Wiltshire (Unitary Authority)
Parish or ward: Enford (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SU1351
Four figure Latitude: 51.25801683
Four figure longitude: -1.81508814
1:25K map: SU1351
1:10K map: SU15SW
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
Similar objects
Find number: IOW-F123B1
Object type: BELL
Broadperiod: POST MEDIEVAL
An incomplete and misshapen post-Medieval cast copper-alloy spherical animal 'crotal' bell (c. 1743-c. 1746).
The sub-rectangular suspensi…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: SOM-EB9555
Object type: BELL
Broadperiod: POST MEDIEVAL
Cast copper alloy spherical rumbler bell (crotal) of Post Medieval date. The bell comprises two hemispherical domes with a raised circumfer…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Find number: SWYOR-FAE436
Object type: BELL
Broadperiod: POST MEDIEVAL
A fragmented copper-alloy post-Medieval cast spherical (crotal) bell, probably dating to about AD 1743 - 1746. The fragment is one side o…
Workflow: Awaiting validation
Timeline of associated dates
About Us
About our Site
Find us
The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG.
T: +44(0) 20 73238618