51/555

Robert Wells (Maker)

This large pack horse bell, also known as a 'rumbler' or 'crotal bell', was made by Robert Wells of Aldbourne, Wiltshire, and probably dates from the eighteenth century or early nineteenth century. It is number 26 of a set.

1 rumbler bell: metal (copper alloy); good condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'This is a particularly large example of a pack horse bell, known as a rumbler or crotal bell. These bells were usually cast in brass or brass alloy. They were made in sets, each bell having a different size, and numbered accordingly. They are hollow, spherical and have loose clappers. // This bell is number 26 of a set, and was made by Robert Wells of Aldbourne (Wilts.). A pattern, including his initials, decorates the lower half of the bell. // It is 14 inches in diameter and weights 2 lb.', Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) – 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940 // Horse furniture // 74-81. 8 horse bells, "rumblers=, [sic] the largest 21b and 2 oz. Most of the horse bells one finds are stamped RW for Robert Wells whose family were an old bell founders company in Aldbourne, Wilts. Their works were afterwards sold and became the foundation of the Whitechapel bell foundary. Some of my bells are RW, some ES and one is a copy of one of Moreland's' (Set of 8 possibly incl. 51/555, 51/556, 51/557, 51/558, 51/559, 51/560 and 51/561), Heritage of the Hendreds Exhibition 1969 - 'Catalogue of Exhibits // Number 352 // Horse Bell // Lent by MERL Miss Smith c.' (This description could also be in reference to 51/789, 51/560, 51/556, 51/561, 51/557, 51/558 and 51/559)

Aldbourne

1775-01-01 - 1799-12-31

Late-eighteenth century

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)