Bell, bell-metal, ornament.

Bell, bell-metal cast in relief. Decorated around the crown with shells and foliage. On the neck, ivy or vine (?) stems and leaves bordered with two moulding wires. On the waist, two bands or ornament divided by two moulding wires. On the waist, two bands of ornament divided by tow moulding wires (i) bucrania with vittae hung with festoons supporting displayed birds; (ii) three blank shields supported by winged sea monsters. A single moulding wire separated the sound bow, which is decorated with downward-facing acanthus and foliage. The vine leaf was applied in one strip and the frieze of bucrania in five, the pattern consisting of one bucranium and swag; the primary decoration consists of three panels, one for each complete pattern.

Purchased from Stefano Bardini, Florence for £37.

This bell decorated with cast ornament in three bands, including wavy stem with leaves, bucranur hung with festoons supporting birds, and shields supported by monsters. Around the bottom there is a border of acanthus leaves and flowers, and on the top one of shells and foliage. These bells were probably produced in some numbers for general sale or to order. In each case the purchaser's were able to attach their personal arms subsequent to casting.

470-1899