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Description: | Cast copper alloy bell of uncertain date. The bell is sub-circular in plan and domed or arched (bell shaped) in profile with an integral cast sub-circular suspension loop positioned at the peak of the dome. The upper part of this loop has been broken, possibly through wear. Positioned at either side of the bell, on the same axis as the loop, are two irregular perforated holes. The profile of these holes is conical suggesting they were drilled. Inside the bell is an integral cast copper alloy loop which is encased with orange corrosion, this suggests that the clapper was originally iron. The bell measures 24.7mm high and the base of the bell has a maximum diameter of 26.1mm. The metal at the base is 1.6mm thick and the bell weighs 12.95 grams. There is no evidence of either incised or applied decoration on any of the surfaces of the bell. The lower edge of the bell is distorted and bent, probably by movement in the ploughsoil. The bell is a mid brownish green colour with a good and well formed patina. There are small areas of active light green copper alloy corrosion product present on both the inner and outer faces. The breaks on the loops are worn but unpatinated, possibly caused by old corrosion which has flaked away. No close parallels have been found for this bell, hence the uncertain date. It is most likely that this bell date from the Roman period, based on patina and weight, however the shape and function of these bells is relatively unchanged through time and therefore the bell might date from either the Medieval or post medieval periods (1200-1650). It is highly unlikely that the bell dates from the Early Medieval (450-1100) as bells from this period are relatively well understood and differ greatly from this example.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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