Fido's Bell Collection Blog

PLEASE NOTE

2006-11-02T11:35:00.000Z

Welcome to my world of bells. You can read this blog top down! My dates are not relevant. I insert new posts in the order I would like them to be seen. Sorry blogger.com - it's the way I like to do things! Hope you enjoy what follows.............................................

Introducing my collection

2006-06-21T21:04:00.002+01:00

I have published this blog to share some of the fun I have had in building my bell collection. I have always had in mind the need to limit the numbers and size of bells to avoid turning my house into a museum. I have set limiting criteria. I have concentrated mainly on bronze bells with handles from famous foundries around the world past and present. But I also have bells which have had a variety of practical uses. I love excuses to visit a bell foundry or anyone with a bell on offer. I enjoy contact with sellers in other countries. I have read several books about bells and joined the American Bell Association and the Bell Collectors of the British Isles group. I keep the collection in my study, a room about 12ft x 10 ft, and have a few outside the house. The photos show a part of the room. The bells sit alongside other essentials in what is a well used practical room. As well as bells I enjoy music, opera, sport, the internet and photography. I hope my little stories will encourage others to share their passions whatever they might be.

Because I want to keep my collection together in my study, from time to time I sell bells to make room for a special addition. In this blog, I will put a note against any bells I have now sold. But I will keep the entry as a reminder and it may help someone to identify a bell.

About blogger

2006-06-21T21:03:00.000+01:00

If you are not familiar with the blogger website here is a tip. Have a look at the 'About me' section top left and below it you will see:

'View my complete profile'

Click on that and scroll down to see links to all my blogs. These tell the full story behind some of my bell adventures.

But leave that 'till later. For now, read on........

Finding Bells

2006-06-21T21:02:00.000+01:00

Bells are everywhere. Anyone could quickly assemble a huge collection. They come in all shapes and sizes and different materials. Apart from obvious sources like antique shops, charity shops, car boot and garage sales, you can buy new from suppliers and bell foundries. And then there is Ebay.They are in nearly every home, on display or in the attic. They can cost a few pence or a few thousand.
So a collector has to decide what type of bell to collect, how many and at what cost. I am determined not to let my bells overwhelm my home so I am keeping to numbers I can display in my study, a room 12ft x 10ft, or hang outside the house.
The bells I collect have not been easy to find. Really good quality bells from famous founders or with a story to tell only turn up occasionally.

I have obtained a few on Ebay, some in antique shops, some via friends and some direct from foundries. When you let it be known what you collect you will get the odd call from someone who has found one they know will interest you. Those able to attend meetings of the American Bell Association can attend one of their bell auctions. Living in England that's not an option for me. Perhaps that's as well!

While we all enjoy a discovery in a most unexpected place. I love to visit a bell foundry and buy a new bell direct from the maker. At least that way you know exactly what you are getting and can ensure future owners know the bell's history.

Above all, have fun looking. And buy because you enjoy it.

Bronze or bell metal

2006-06-21T20:59:00.000+01:00

Most of my bells are made of bronze or bell metal. This is an alloy of copper and tin. I asked John Taylor Bell Foundry to define the distinction between bronze and bell metal. This was the reply:

Hi Peter

Bell metal is just one of many variants of bronze, we only call it that because we use it!
Handbells have less tin-20% or so and small carillon bells have more, up to 25%.

Hope this helps.

Andrew Higson
Bellmaster

So there you have it!

And here are some of my bells

2006-06-21T20:58:00.000+01:00

Here are photos of some of my bells together with a little information about each one. As I look at my bells I often recall with a smile the day I found or collected the bell. Like the day I travelled to Loughborough to pick up the Town Criers bell from John Taylors. On the way back, the train stopped and it was annoumced that the driver was too tired to continue. Stranded for nearly two hours it meant missed connections and a very late return home. But it was worth it.

I am always delighted to show my bells to anyone interested, so if you are likely to be in the Sway area of the New Forest you can email me at padhyde@globalnet.co.uk to arrange a visit.

Cornille Havard

2006-06-21T20:57:00.000+01:00

My interest in bells took root in Villedieu les poels in Normandy many years ago. I visited the Cornille Havard Foundry and enjoyed a tour of the buildings. There were some magnificent huge church bells ready for delivery. I wondered where they would end up. Whose lives would they touch? How would the world change before the bells needed replacing? Thought of all the events at which those bells would be heard. Bells are like that. They stir the imagination. At the end of the visit I bought a 4 inch diameter handled bell as a memento. Last year I gave it to my daughter who lived in New York at the time. She's now moving to Dallas so the bell's off again. Meanwhile, another excuse to contact Cornille Havard! This bell is the result. It has a 6 inch diameter. When the bell arrived it had a rather small handle probably due to a misunderstanding. During a trip to Whitechapel Bell Foundry I saw a delightful handle and asked them to fit it to this bell. It is made from Wenge and has a deep rich brown colour with an attractive grain.

Brass school bell

2006-06-21T20:56:00.000+01:00

This is the bell which really set me off on bell collecting. I saw it at a local auction. Knowing virtually nothing about bells I tried to find out something about bell valuation. In the 'phone directory I found a bell hanging business in Bridport, Dorset. They offered some advice and I bought the bell. Later I visited the company, Nicholson Engineering, and saw many old bells either ready for hanging or restoration. They introduced me to the world of Whitechapel and Taylor's Bell Foundries. I visited Whitechapel for a tour of the Foundry. I was hooked! The bell has a diameter of 8 inches. The novelty Swiss Cowbell hangs from a curtain pole. One must fit these things in where one can.

Lymington County Primary school bell

2006-06-21T20:54:00.000+01:00

This was my greatest challenge. I tell the full story in another blog. Here is the link:

http://www.bellquestblog.blogspot.com/

Richard Sizer Fire Bell

2006-06-21T20:52:00.000+01:00

Just love engraved bells! This one was made by Richard Sizer Ltd. Hull. It is engraved boldly on the bell together with FIRE BELL. Unusually the handle bears a label with a logo for GTE 82-90 Seymour Place W! London. Richard Sizer began founding in 19 century but I know nothing else about them. Still searching. As for GTE. I'm still trying to track them down. The bell has a diameter of 6 inches.

Merryweather Fire Bell

2006-06-21T20:51:00.000+01:00

This old bell came from a 1930s Merryweather fire engine. I bought it from an employee of Nicholson's in Bridport, Dorset. They made the bracket it hangs from. More excuses for days out. When I bought the bell it had been repolished and looked like new. It is made of bell metal and now has a delightful patina which now protects it from corrosion. Also in view is another fire bell and the door bell pull.

Airfield Fire Bell

2006-06-21T20:50:00.001+01:00

The little red bell in the photos saw active service during World War Two at North Weald Airfield in Essex. It is 6 inches diameter and made of phosphorous bronze. The airfield photo comes from the museum website. The bell makes as much racket as its bigger neighbour.

My Doorbell

2006-06-21T20:50:00.000+01:00

Well what else would you expect! First, I found the bell. Then I found a blacksmith in Yorkshire ( Nigel Tyas ) to make the fittings. Now on arrival at the front door you pull down the rod and the bell rings out just as it first did long ago.

Whitechapel

2006-06-21T20:30:00.000+01:00

A perfect example of a handled bell from the world's greatest bell foundry. Yes, I'm biased.

It is engraved:

Peter Hyde
New Forest
2003

A gift to mark my 60th birthday. I love the idea of a named bell. Us bell enthusiasts should all have one. I want to add a suitable quotation. What would you have on your bell?
It stands 15 inches x 7 inches diameter.

Whitechapel

2006-06-21T20:25:00.001+01:00

And then it was Ruth's turn. So this time it's:

Ruth Hyde
New Forest
2006

This is 6 inches diameter and, according to Steve at Whitechapel, has a more feminine shape!
After collecting the bell from the foundry we went to a ballet at the Royal Opera House. Another fine bell day.

Town Crier Bell

2006-06-21T19:54:00.000+01:00

This is a special favourite. A gift from a friend. It is a very old heavy bell typical of those used by the the more flamboyant Town Crier. Standing 15 inches tall with a diameter of 7 inches it has an unusual wooden handle.

Kruszewski Brothers

2006-06-21T19:52:00.000+01:00

This is a bell by the Kruszewski Brothers Bell Foundry in Poland. It is a bronze bell standing 11 inches high with a diameter of 6 inches. It bears the names Peter and Ruth and commemorates our 40th wedding anniversary. I tell the story of this bell in a separate blog.

Obertino

2006-06-21T19:50:00.000+01:00

This is another bronze bell which was made by the Obertino Foundry in France. I checked out their website and ordered it by email. Easy.

Berger

2006-06-21T19:45:00.000+01:00

This is a bronze bell from the Berger Foundry in Switzerland. They have been around since the 17th century.

Sanctus gong

2006-06-21T19:40:00.000+01:00

I found this on Ebay described as a table bell! Some table. Some bell!

It is a superb example of a sanctus gong and has a glorious ring when tapped by a wooden mallet. The seller could not tell me where it was used. This is a worrying issue. I know churches are reluctant to acknowledge selling these items but one is left feeling uneasy without knowing that there has been a legitimate sale. Still, I will enjoy it and it looks magnificent with my group of sanctus bells. It is 17 inches high and the gong has a diameter of 10 inches. The sound tells me it is bronze.

The Sacring

2006-06-21T19:30:00.000+01:00

This Sacring or Sanctus bell (also known by several other names) was made for me by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. I tell the story of the day I collected this bell in a separate blog. This bell is quite magnificent and one of my special favourites. It is tuned in the chord of G and has 13 tiny clappers which produce an amazing tinkling harmonic sound which lingers as only bell metal can.

Sanctus Bell

2006-06-21T19:20:00.000+01:00

Another example of a Sanctus bell. This is identical to a bell which hung for many years in my mother's hall. It turned up in an antique shop in The New Forest.

Henry Symondson

2006-06-21T19:15:00.000+01:00

The Symondsons were another famous British Bell Founding family. Henry would have made this in London early 19th century. It was restored by Whitechapel. It bears the name B Jennings. Trevor Jennings is well known in bell ringing circles. He was the Curator of Taylors Museum and has written books about handbells and founding. I am still researching the possibility that B Jennings is an ancestor of Trevor's.

J Shaw & Son

2006-06-21T18:52:00.000+01:00

I bought this old English handbell on Ebay from a seller in the USA. J Shaw & Son was a Musical Bell Founder in Bradford in Yorkshire, England. Lovely colour.

Jury Officer's Bell?

2006-06-21T16:22:00.000+01:00

Now this is a teaser. This was sold as a Jury Officers bell. It is marked JO on the crown. The bell is made from gunmetal so it made a change from my usual bell metal or bronze. As for JO representing 'Jury Officer' - I doubt it. If anyone can shed any light on this I will be pleased to amend my listing.

"Fiddian"

2006-06-21T16:13:00.000+01:00

This was the trademark used by James Barwell Ltd. on brass goods. Samuel Fiddian sold his business to James Barwell in 1840. He managed to keep his name going. This is not a very old bell but it is solid and durable. A typical school bell.

Warner's of London

2006-06-21T16:03:00.000+01:00

This is a 19th century bell made by John Warner & Sons Spital Bell Foundry in London. 14.5" tall x 6.5" diameter. It carries 'CT Schools' engraving as well as WH and '13' A bell from my favourite Antique shop in Hungerford. I do enjoy my visits there. This has a particularly grand walnut handle.

William Haley

2006-06-21T15:53:00.000+01:00

William Haley was born in 1857. After working for Warners for over 40 years he set up his own business in the 1920's.I came upon this example of his work on Ebay. It bears the WH makers mark. I was the only bidder! I thought I would leave this exactly as it was. It was certainly well used.

Walter Little, Rochester

2006-06-21T15:44:00.001+01:00

As yet I know nothing of Walter apart from his probable connection with Rochester, Northumberland. The makers mark WH is perhaps William Hayley although the W is not like another Hayley bell I have.
This is a fine bronze bell 5 inches diameter. A leather thong is attached to the handle. Not something I have seen before. Perhaps for the bell to be hung out of reach or for convenience? I had a theory that it might have enabled it to hang from a Town Criers wrist while he held a parchment. But not known among my Crier contacts.

Schulmerich Musical Handbell

2006-06-21T15:44:00.000+01:00

Whitechapel and Taylor's will claim to make the finest English musical handbells. After all, they have both been at it for 100s of years and they are in England. Now two American upstarts claim to be the best! Schulmerich began production of bells in 1935 and in 1962 started making English musical handbells. Having seen and heard bells from all four makers I think they are all great! Another import from the USA.

Malmark Musical Handbell

2006-06-21T15:33:00.000+01:00

Malmark have been making handbells about as long as I've lived in the New Forest - about 30 years. Based in Plumsteadville, PA,USA they have rapidly become one of the world's premier makers of English handbells. A few emails and telephone calls and over it came. It was cheaper to buy direct from Malmark than from a UK agent.

Lowes Bells

2006-06-21T14:27:00.000+01:00

Stuart Lowes used to work at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry before setting up his own small foundry in the North of England where he now produces hand made bronze bells and other small bronze gifts. Individual custom made orders are also undertaken. This little gem was one of a small number of bells made for York Minster. The diameter is just three inches. It has an oak handle and plinth.

Lowes entrance bell

2006-06-21T14:25:00.000+01:00

A really delightful example of a bell now being shown on the Lowes website. It has an unusual bronze lanyard. I had the bell engraved with the makers name. I really do think every bell should have at least an identifiable maker's mark. The diameter is 5 inches.

Ohio Bicentennial Bell

2006-06-21T14:14:00.000+01:00

The Verdin Company have been making cast bronze bells since 1842. This is a bell to mark the bicentennial of Ohio in 2003. It's quite at home here with it's New York neighbour and it's other American friends around the room.

New York

2006-06-21T14:05:00.000+01:00

If I know little about a bell, and I have just a few of those, I name it after the place it came from. An unusual shape and colour this one. Obtained during one of my visits to my daughter, Sandra. It sits alongside a colleague from Ohio, so it's quite content.

Telephone Bells

2006-06-21T13:59:00.000+01:00

A modest pair of ringers showing the versatility of bells. Note the doll's house collection supposed to be in Willow Cottage which resides in my wife Ruth's room. I don't think she's noticed.

Cow Doorbells

2006-06-21T13:51:00.000+01:00

No one gets into my study unnoticed or without waking me up. I was in Wimborne one day and went to an Antique Shop closing down sale. A sad occasion. On entering, these little gems made a terrific din. 'Sorry they are not for sale' I was told. After hearing my life history and of my passion for bells I finally wore the owner down and left triumphant. They now hang on my study door and easily outperform any guard dog.

Cow Gong

2006-06-21T13:40:00.000+01:00

This sat in my mother's hallway long before I ever thought about bell collecting. We used to use it as a dinner gong. She lived until she was 92. She would be tickled pink to think that this little piece from her home was on view to the world. She had a small shop, selling antiques and general second hand goods. This was probably one of the many things she found that ended up at home. Collecting, like anything else, is in the genes.

K.D.T.A.

2006-06-21T13:33:00.000+01:00

Now this makes me sad. I bought this from Canada. All I know is from the engraving:

K.D.T.A.
Retirement
1987

Why do these leave their families? I think I might be sponsoring a bell refuge soon. At 9cm diameter this is just a modest little brass bell but with a tale to tell. But what was it?

Dorchester, Dorset

2006-06-21T13:11:00.000+01:00

All I know about this little character is that it probably has one of the most beautiful tones of any in my collection. Just 10cm diameter, I found it in Dorchester. It didn't have any special claim to fame - but it sits proudly among it's more illustrious neighbours without a sign of embarrassment.

The Pompey Bell

2006-06-21T08:50:00.001+01:00

I describe the story of this bell in a separate glog.

I just love this bell. And the reason for having it!

Here is a link to the blog:

Pompey Bell Blog

Air Raid Precautions

2006-06-20T19:41:00.000+01:00

This ARP bell was used during air raids in the second world war. Made by the James Barwell Foundry in Birmingham, this one had a special handle and was used by the Mayor of Plymouth. At least that was the story I was told by the seller in a little shop in Dorset. Well, it looks like the sort of bell a Mayor would use!

Type 16 Telephone

2006-06-20T19:36:00.000+01:00

This old telephone has twin bells which ring on receipt of a call. It still rings in my lounge but I cannot make calls with it. Also known as the Skeleton 'phone, this was one of the first public telephones sold in the UK and dates around the 1890s.

Klaxon Horn

2006-06-20T19:29:00.000+01:00

Now I know this is not a bell. But I'm in charge of this blog. So here is my one and only Klaxon. It did it's bit on an RAF fire engine during the second world war. It would easily outperform any bell. Hand operated, it scares anyone within 200 yards.

Jenny Lind

2006-06-20T19:12:00.000+01:00

This is my brass lady bell collection. Well I had to have a least one. This is a very popular branch of bell collecting. Thousands are widely available and collectors battle over the rare ones. This had to be the one for me. Jenny Lind was a famous opera singer who was born in 1820 and became known as the Swedish nightingale. This version stands 5 inches tall. She sits in my study below a Royal Opera House poster for the Barber of Seville, which just happens to include a picture of my daughter as Rosina. Now that's another story. Meanwhile Jenny is keeping good company.

Servant's Bell

2006-06-20T18:59:00.000+01:00

This is my very own servant's bell in regular daily use. Not that anyone ever hears it! The duck was a gift from a cricketing pal to mark one of my less notable performances. For a bell with a diameter of 6cm it makes quite a sound. They both sit next to my computer on one of my hi fi speakers. Everything has to be fitted in.

Embossed bells

2006-06-20T18:49:00.000+01:00

There are probably thousands of these little bells around. They are mostly replicas of bells made long ago. Many have Latin words and religious symbols embossed on them. They can be used on counters or in the home to attract attention. This little lot sit on an old Emerson radio that came back on one of the great liners to England in 1946 from New York. I often listen to commentary from Fratton Park on it on Saturday afternoons. Any other Pompey fans out there?

Davis and Hill

2006-06-20T18:41:00.000+01:00

A nice example of a good quality brass bell for a change. Since 1893 Davis & Hill have manufactured bells in Birmingham, the centre of the British Brass Industry. Individually hand made their range of items on offer are finished completely in house. Davis & Hill cast various types and differing sizes of desk, hand and ships bells. This is a 6 inch ships bell. I'm not keen on standard bell brackets so I had this one made by a local blacksmith to match the bracket on an old fire bell. The photos include one of both bells either side of the picture showing the moment England won the rugby world cup in 2003.

Muffin Bell

2006-06-20T14:11:00.000+01:00

No, not a muffin man's bell but a bell shaped like a muffin used as a fire warning bell long ago, typically in the USA where this one was made in 1868. (engraved on the handle)

Whitechapel Mini Bell

2006-06-20T14:05:00.001+01:00

At 1.75 inches in diameter this is the smallest Whitechapel bell!

Fred Barrett

2006-06-20T13:53:00.000+01:00

I confess. I don't have the faintest idea who Fred Barrett is or was. But when I see a name engraved on a bell I feel so sad that it has left a family I just have to give it a loving home. It is simply engraved F Barrett. Fred sounds so much better. It is a nice bell, 6 inches diameter and 12 inches high.

Farm Bell

2006-06-20T13:29:00.000+01:00

This cast iron bell came from the South West United States. I made a frame to replace the original which was damaged in transit. Not the nicest sounding bell I've heard but it has character. It sits alongside fire bells outside my front door. Diameter is 27cm.

Communion bell

2006-06-20T13:08:00.000+01:00

I bought this bell from someone who described it as a communion bell. He claimed that a priest told him it had been used in a church for over 100 years. I could get no more information - certainly not the name of the church. So this will remain the story. A bell used during services is more commonly known as a sanctus bell, although there are several other names in use. This type of bell is also called a muffin bell used most typically in the USA as a warning bell. This is a small bell - the diameter is some 3 inches and the length is 8 inches.

Mears & Co

2006-06-20T12:54:00.000+01:00

I tell the story of this bell in a seperate blog. Here is the link:

http://mearsco.blogspot.com/

Winkworth Ambulance bell

2006-06-20T12:41:00.000+01:00

Winkworth produced bells for use on many types of vehicle. Some were electrically operated. This is a manually operated ambulance bell. I would be interested to hrear from anyone who can refer me to the history of Winkworth bells.

The diameter is 14cm.

The first photo shows the bell mounted on a new wrought iron bracket made to match the Lowes entrance bell. Made by Stuart Lowes it matches the style of wrought iron brackets of several bells I have grouped together in my display as you can see on another photo. The other photo shows the original bracket on the bell when I bought it. Better or worse?

Fire Bell

2006-06-20T11:37:00.000+01:00

Another nice example of a fire bell thought to be from 1930's era. Bell diameter is 6 inches. Super bracket would hold a really heavy bell.

Gillett & Co School Bell

2006-06-20T09:40:00.000+01:00

I have done another blog which tells the story so far about this find.
Go to:
www.gillettcobellblog.blogspot.com

World Cup bells

2006-06-20T09:34:00.000+01:00

I was at Wembley on that glorious day of 30th July 1966 when England won the football world cup. Along with other supporters, I was ecstatic for days afterwards. When I think about it, I still am! It was just as thrilling to see England win the 2003 rugby world cup after Jonny Wilkinson slotted that last minute drop goal. Two pictures hang in my study which commemorate these great English triumphs. So it seemed natural to have two bells made which will be a long lasting reminder of these events for future generations.

The bells are made in bronze and come from Lowes bells. Their diameters are 8 inches.

The inscriptions are:

England

Football World Cup

Winners

1966

England

Rugby World Cup

Winners

2003

Edward Sellers

2006-06-20T07:33:00.000+01:00

This is a great example of an Edward Sellers Rumbler bell.
The Sellers family were York Bellfounders whose earliest member was William who from 1662 had his foundry in Jubbergate. Crotals with the initials ES are credited to Edward or his son. Edward followed William. He died a wealthy man in1724 leaving the Foundry to his sons Richard and Edward. Edward retired and finally sold off the last remnants of the business in 1763. He sadly had left it a little late because he died in November 1764. So I guess there is a fair chance that this bell was made in the first half of the 18th century.Bells like this have long been used as animal bells, probably for cows , sheep or goats. Known as rumbler or crotal bells they must have made quite a noise in their heyday.This bell turned up in a car boot sale. The chap offered it on Ebay with no idea what it was. I had been looking for an Edward Sellers bell for some time and was delighted to get it.The bell is made of bell metal and is 3.5 inches across.

Medieaval Cup Bells

2006-06-20T06:24:00.000+01:00

This is a pair of medieaval cup bells. Another irresistible find from the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. I just love the handles on these bells. The diameter of the bells is 9cm.

'Submarine' bell

2006-06-20T05:52:00.000+01:00

Another of my favourites. It took me a long time to get it away from the place I first saw it. To learn the full story of this one check out my blog:

www.

submarinebell.blogspot.com

Alarm bells

2006-06-19T19:20:00.000+01:00

These two bells adorn the porch of my house. The mechanical fire alarm bell makes an unbelievable racket. At least it did when I tested it before installation. It's not the thing to ring for fun in a tranquil New Forest village. It's neighbour was used at a local depot to ring at the end of shifts. A heavy beast similar to those used on old fire engines. And I have two of those elsewhere outside my house. The old fire alarm was obtained from a company getting rid of old props for film making. We seek them everywhere.

Crotal Bells

2006-06-19T19:11:00.000+01:00

These little bells hung round animal's necks a long time ago. These were literally unearthed by treasure seekers or during archeological digs. Some date back to the 17th century and some bear maker's marks. Another example of the diverse uses of bells. The one on the left is an old bronze cow bell. An 'umble little lot. Mind you, they weren't cheap!

John Taylor Bellfounders

2006-06-19T13:20:00.000+01:00

Based in Loughborough, Taylors is the largest working bell foundry in the world. This bell is another one of my grand adventures. A 60th birthday gift to myself, I discussed the design by telephone and picked it up in person. What a day that was! I left my home in Sway at about 6.30am and after 2 train changes arrived in Loughborough at noon. After collecting the bell, I toured the foundry and visited the museum. The place reeks with history. I resisted all temptation and left for home. The trains were not on form that day. I finally arrived home at midnight! Exhausted but happy. I have a letter from the foundry which says it all: ' Dear Mr Hyde, Many thanks for your instruction to provide an example of our bellfounding expertise to add to your collection of bells. We have as agreed struck a 6 inches criers bell for this purpose. Produced in best quality bell metal, being complemented with a solid hardwood handle and a ball and chain clapper, this polished bell is we believe, the first to be crafted by John Taylor with their founders badge cast in relief on the waist of a criers bell. It is possible this configuration will not be utilised again, to this extent the bell may well be considered unique. ' Now whoever owns this bell in the future will know it's story. But it's not for sale!

Robert Wells

2006-06-19T13:15:00.000+01:00

The Wells Foundry in Aldbourne was the major handbell maker in the 18th century. This is an example of the work of Robert Wells. A beautiful colour, great sound. Another gem found in Hungerford which is a few miles from Aldbourne.

Cornelius Cole

2006-06-19T12:49:00.000+01:00

What a fine name! This bell turned up in Romsey , Hampshire, England. Unfortunately all I know about it is contained in the inscription. This is: 'Cornelius Cole Royal Hotel Weymouth presented by J J Staunton of yacht Snowdrop Aug 8th 1873' And the soundbow is engraved with the words ' May good digestion wait on appetite and health on both - Shakespeare' A heavy 6 inch diameter bell made from gunmetal. Unusual for me because most of my bells were made of bell metal. I have not yet been able to track Cornelius down. I wonder if he ever met Sir George? (see below)

Henry Symondson

2006-06-19T12:46:00.000+01:00

I found this in the display cabinet at Whitechapel. It started life as a musical handbell. A foundry craftsman fitted a new wooden handle and clapper and it is now a handled bell set on one of my posher plinths.

British Rail in New York

2006-06-19T12:39:00.000+01:00

My daughter discovered this bell in Bay Shore, Long Island, New York. Now what on earth was it doing there?! I looked rather longingly at it during a visit. It worked. Imagine my delight on opening my 60th birthday present. It had crossed the Atlantic and returned home. It makes a great sound and is in good company even if the station is a long way away. I like bells with a story! As a postscript, the last time my daughter came here I sent her back with the first bell I ever bought from Cornille Havard in France. It now resides in Dallas. I hope to see it again soon.

Sir George Murray

2006-06-19T11:51:00.000+01:00

' I have another old bell that might interest you'.Off I shot to my favourite antique shop in Hungerford and another little adventure had begun. When I first saw it the first thing that struck me was its sheer size and weight. It stands 16 inches and has a diameter of 8 inches. That's the practical limit of a handled bell. It had a dark brown appearance-it looked like a lacquer rather than patina. The letters SIR GEORGE MURRAY held its own mystery. Who was he? A google search was inconclusive. I am still working on it's origins. After buying the bell (was there ever any doubt!) off to my friends at the Whitechapel bell foundry. A good excuse for another day out. After a conference with Steve, my favourite craftsman, I left it with him to remove the lacquer and to clean the bell without creating an 'as new' appearance. I picked it up a few days later to find he had done a wonderful job. My final visit was to my woodturner in Christchurch to decide details of the plinth which I like to display my bells on. I actually pick that up tomorrow. Here is the bell as it looks today. Whoever he was Sir George Murray has a special place in my study and I will remember him even if no one else does. That's the magic of bells like this. My little piece of history, living on and giving someone pleasure. Not all history has that effect!

Queen Mother Bell

2006-06-19T11:38:00.000+01:00

This delightful little bell was made by the Whitechapel bell foundry. It was sitting in one of their display cabinets when I spotted it on one of my regular visits. It bears the inscription 'To celebrate the life of her majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother 1900-2002.' It was the only one they made. They agreed to sell it to me and it sits proudly among the other inmates in my collection.

Edward Plumer

2006-06-19T11:26:00.000+01:00

Edward Plumer was one of the great bell founders of the early 18th century. He lived in Ramsbury near Aldbourne in Wiltshire, England. I found this bell in an antique shop in Hungerford. I got John Taylor, the Loughborough bell foundry, to fit a new leather handle. They sought my agreement to display this at a handbell exhibition in Glasgow a few years ago. It has a beautiful silvery grey colour.

A warning

2006-06-19T11:16:00.000+01:00

I found this in a filthy state on the floor of a little junk shop on the Isle of Wight. I cleaned it up and hung it on a little garden bracket. It has the inscription 'PS Graff Spee 1939' Now in case you think this is the real thing, this type of bell is turned out in large numbers, mainly in India. You see a lot of Titanic versions. I saw one advertised on Ebay as a genuine find from the Graff Spee. Decent named old ship's bells fetch a lot of money, so do your research before buying. But I like my 'warning' bell and it sounds good.

Plinths

2006-06-19T11:15:00.000+01:00

I think most bells look at their best when displayed on a wooden plinth. Now that's where I am in luck. I came across Brian at Lymington market where he had a stall for a variety of wood products, including plinths. He now makes them for me at his Christchurch workshop. Now Brian's workshop is something to behold. I have never seen so much in such little space. How he ever finds anything only he knows. Here he is putting the finishing touches to the plinth for a Henry Symondson bell. The other plinth now has Sir George Murray sitting on it. (Earlier post)
Long live great British woodturners!

What next?

2006-06-19T11:14:00.000+01:00

I hope I have conveyed some of the fun I have had in building my collection. I will be delighted to hear from anyone with a tale to tell. I hope too that I might encourage other collectors to publish a blog so that we might all share some of the delights of our shared interest. If nothing else, I have enjoyed doing this blog and now at least some of my family and friends can see one of the things I've been up to these past few years.

What next? I guess my collection is now moving towards 100 bells, most are in my little study with a few larger bells outside the house. I really don't have room for any more - I have even sold some to avoid overcrowding. But do collectors ever stop? I have no wish to emulate those with collections of hundreds or even thousands. But I guess we can all find room for that special gem which catches our eye........................................!!!!