Vintage brass hand bell with a turned wooden handle, commonly referred to as a school teacher's bell, dinner bell, or call bell. These were historically used in one-room schoolhouses to signal the start/end of class, on farms to call workers to meals, or in homes/hotels for service.
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Material — Bell body is solid brass (a copper-zinc alloy) with a heavy dark patina from age and oxidation. It shows greenish verdigris spots inside (classic for aged brass/bronze) and some surface wear/scratches, adding to its authenticity. The handle is turned hardwood (likely walnut or similar), stained dark with age-related wear. The tip has a metal cap/finial. The clapper is a simple metal arm/wire with a spherical iron or brass ball striker, hanging freely inside for a clear, resonant ring.
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Condition — Good antique condition. No damage, cracks, or repairs visible. The patina is even and unrestored. The clapper functions, and it should produce a nice tone.
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Age — Likely late 19th century (Victorian/Edwardian era into the 1920s-1930s). The style, patina, verdigris, and simple construction match many attributed to this period.
Item dimensions: 6.5" tall × 3.25" diameter
Weight of item: 5.6 oz
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