Dating sleigh bells

Are there different types of Sleigh Bells?

Not quite: within the category of “sleigh bells” there are a number of ways to classify the individual bells: shape, throat style, decoration and construction. It should also be noted that what we think of as a traditional sleigh bell — a pellet trapped within a hollow globe — is actually called a “crotal” and is technically a rattle, not a bell.

How old are the oldest Sleigh Bells?

The oldest sleigh bells the average person is likely to find typically date from the late 1700s through about 1845. Very few -- perhaps 1-2% -- of all of the antique sleigh bells on the market are this old.

What year are my horse and sleigh bells from?

The vast majority of horse and sleigh bells were made from about 1845 to about 1920, perhaps as late as 1940. When in doubt, your bells are probably from this era. Here are some key features of bells made in the mid 1800s through the early 1900s: Bells smaller than about 1 3/4 diameter were made in many styles.

What do the numbers mean on a horse and sleigh bell?

Numbers to indicate size or the makers name or initials may be found on some bells. Many bells are plain, however, with no special markings or initials. See also History, Petal Bells, and Crotals. The vast majority of horse and sleigh bells were made from about 1845 to about 1920, perhaps as late as 1940.

What kind of Bell is a sleigh bell?

Compare the coloring of this bell with the dull-black new bell above. The classic petal bell is the sleigh bell most often sold as an instant antique.

What is the difference between sleigh bells and idiophone?

Sleigh bells evolved from the clusters of bells fixed to animals harnesses or vehicles. Similar small bells were used in ancient times in the Middle East. Idiophone: an instrument that produces its sound through the use of the material from which it is made, without needing strings or a stretched skin.

What are the different types of bells?

Round bells with a flared ridge were also popular. Less common shapes include the bevel or band bell with a slightly pointed face; square bells look impressive but are said to sound absolutely terrible (and are also quite fragile).

What are saddle bells and shaft bells?

The name refers to where they are placed on the vehicle: the saddle bell is placed on the horse’s back pad while the shaft bells are attached to the shaves of the wagon or sleigh. The above information can all be referenced to Classic Bells ‘ thorough history!

Why are horse bells called Sleigh Bells?

In the 1800s, horse bells were used for wintertime recreation as well as for work. Winter pleasure drives required fashionably warm clothes, handsome sleighs, well groomed horses, and nicely polished harness and bells. This strong association of horse bells with Christmas and winter fun led people to gradually call them sleigh bells instead.

What is a saddle Bell on a horse?

Saddle & shaft bells: These are small collections of large bells intended to be attached to the wagon or sleigh directly. The name refers to where they are placed on the vehicle: the saddle bell is placed on the horse’s back pad while the shaft bells are attached to the shaves of the wagon or sleigh.

What do the numbers on a bell mean?

Numbers to indicate size or the makers name or initials may be found on some bells. Many bells are plain, however, with no special markings or initials. See also History, Petal Bells, and Crotals.

What do the numbers mean in horse racing?

The numbers 1-9 indicate the position the horse finished in the race The number 0 indicates that the horse finished outside the first 9 The symbol – separates racing seasons. Numbers before the – are for last season The symbol / indicates a longer gap, for example if the horse missed an entire racing season