BELL

A fragment of a copper-alloy crotal bell of Medieval to Post-Medieval date. Only a small amount, less than a quarter, of the bell survives and none of the suspension loop is present. The fragment weighs 3.49g, has a length of 26.4mm and width of 16.6mm. It has a concave inner surface and convexly curved outer surface. The fragment has a thickness of 2.1mm at one edge and 1.1mm at the opposite edge. The thicker edge is relatively smooth and straight with concave curves at either end. It is probable that this is the edge to, one side of, the crotal bell's sound slot, which would have been positioned in the centre of the lower hemisphere. The concave shaping to either end are likely to be the start of the curve for a sound hole terminal to either end of, and integral to, the sound slot. The thinner edge is smooth but more irregular than the edge already described, and could be described as having a subtle scalloped shape. This irregular edge is currently being interpreted as a very worn break. A pale green corrosion product has grown over much of the original dark greyish surface on both sides of the fragment. No evidence is present to show whether this artefact was made from sheet metal or was cast, however, the thickness of the metal is more suggestive of a cast produced object.

See https://finds.org.uk/counties/findsrecordingguides/bells/ and YORYM-2D7315, WILT-470161, SUR-D9E0AB , NLM-FCB5AE, NLM-AC16CA & SUR-5C41C8.