Cast bronze hand bell, with an unidentified coat-of-arms and inscription, Italian (Venice) early 16th century

Hand bell with ferrule and remains of a handle. Decorated on the crown with fine filigree scroll with two cartouches inscribed 'A.M'. On the body, between fine and double mouldings, the inscription PVLSV MEO SERVOS VOCO (with my ring I call the servants); two coats of arms (party per pale five cinqufoils) supported by two putti and surmounted by a winged cherub head, with two vases below the cartouche, all flanked by outward-facing leaping dogs and inward-facing leaping antelopes; this designalternated with a complicated motif of a cherub head benetah a baldacchio flanked by foliated stems and vases containing plumes on which cranes (?) are mounted all above a yoke-like scroll; below this motif are two snails (?) and a crab (?). On the sound bow (beneath a double moulding) is overlapping, downward-facing acnanthus. The bell has an iron clapper, possibly original. A foundry mark appears just above the sound bow on the interior: The inscri[ton has been cut into the metal, a difficult feat in light of the high tin content, and it may therefore be of later date.

Given by Dr W.L Hildburgh, F.S.A.

Given by Dr W.L Hildburgh, F.S.A.

Animal motifs were very popular with bell makers in both Italy and northern Europe, but those on this bell are smaller and more delicately modelled than the more common examples. The inscription confirms that this was a household bell used for summoning servants. Radiography of this object shows an impenetrable mass behind the coat of arms, possibly the presence of solder which would indicate that they were separately cast and applied. The bell was therefore not commissioned, but would have been a stock item with a blank shield ready to be personalized. The arms have not yet been identified.

M.199-1938