This rare find is only one of maybe a half dozen I have seen over the years. It is in amazing condition and fully functional. The cast brass bell is marked “10” and looks like a miniature early church bell. It retains its original cast lead & iron ringer and has a very pleasing ring. The bell is attached to the forged iron hanger with a forged eye-bolt, and the hanger extends vertically and terminates in a wonderful spiral spring which could then be hammered into place with the attached large forged spike. Presumably, the spike would be hammered into a beam or trim near the door such that the movement of the door rings the bell by way of a cord attached to the door and to the eye-bolt on the bell. Or, someone wishing to enter would pull on a cord which would go through the trim from the outside and ring the bell more like a regular entrance bell or doorbell. This piece was probably made in the Northeast between 1800 and 1850. It would be suitable for an important architectural restoration. Dimensions: Bell & Hanger: 8-1/2″ tall, Attachment Spike: 5-1/4″ long, Spring: 1-3/16 wide, Bell: 3″ tall, 3-3/16″ max. All parts are intact with no structural damage, cracks, losses or repairs. Overall original patina is undisturbed.
