A SMALL COLLECTION OF ANTIQUE SILVER
AND OBJECTS OF VERTU
THE WHAT IS? SILVER DICTIONARY


BELL

Bell is a hollow metallic object that vibrates and emits a musical note when struck.

The main bells made in silver are:
- a bell in the form of an inverted cup with a vertical handle and a clapper inside. The handle is usually baluster-shaped with a ball finial. Sometimes they have the shape of a ring or of a human figure. Smaller bells were the central unit of an inkstand but, being a separate piece, often they have survived apart from their inkstand Table and inkstand bells were used to call a servant to do an errand;
WMF silverplate desk bell

- a hollow metallic perforated sphere containing a loose ball causing a ringing sound when shaken. These devices are attached to baby's rattles or are used as slight bells;

- call or desk bells have the shape of an inverted cup with a button on the top. A mechanical device obtains a musical note when the button is pressed. They were used on the dinner table to call servants and on Hotel desks and store counters to summon clerks;

- electrical bells have a push-button that causes a musical note to be sounded when the button is pressed.



Silver bell with ivory handle, Chester 1910 Silver bell, Dresden 1786 Silver inkstand bell
French bell with figural handle French bell with figural handle Tiffany silver bell


Italian silver baby rattle with four bells George Unite silverplate baby rattle set of sleigh bells
Silver desk bell, Birmingham 1904 American silverplate desk bell American silverplate desk bell
American silverplate desk bell American silverplate desk bell American silverplate desk bell


silver electric bell, maker Jacob Grimminger, Germany, silver electric bell, maker Jacob Grimminger, Germany, silver electric bell, maker Jacob Grimminger, Germany,
bells on an ancient catalog bells on an ancient catalog



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