Antique Silver Bells

We are pleased to offer a fine range of antique sterling silver bells. All of our antique silver bells can be purchased online, or from our shop in the London Silver Vaults. Please click on an image of a bell to see a larger picture

Read more about Silver Bells...

	e7261 - Sterling Silver Bell: This lovely, ornate, sterling silver bell, is modelled as a woman, and features very ornate chased decoration. The bell carries hallmarks for London in 1966, and measures 8cm tall.	£375	sold! 2012-01-31
	j6054 - Edwardian Sterling Silver Bell: Hallmarked in London, 1903, this striking antique silver bell, is shaped as a Victorian lady. The bell measures 3.5 inches (9cm) tall, by 1.75 inches (4.5cm) in diameter.	£645	sold! 2012-01-22
	j7836 - Sterling Silver Table Bell: Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1935 by Thomas Bradbury & Sons, this sterling silver table bell is traditionally styled and is very heavy which gives a good clear peal. The bell is 5" (13cm) high, has a diameter of 3" (7.5cm) and weighs 8 troy oz.	£675
	j9626 - Georgian Sterling Silver Bell: Hallmarked in London, 1813 by Samuel Hennell, this very handsome, Regency period, antique silver bell, is plain in style, and features reed detailing throughout. The bell measures 4.75 inches (12cm) tall, by 2.5 inches (6.5cm) in diameter, and weighs 5.1 troy ounces.	£2,275
	j7303 - Sterling Silver Presentation Bell: Hallmarked in London in 1985 by Emanuel Emanuel, this is a very interesting Victorian antique sterling silver military table bell of hansome proportions. The bell was presented to the 3rd Battalian Hampshire Regiment and the handle is formed as an officer from the Boer War. The bell is 8" (20cm) high, has a diameter of 4" (10cm) and weighs 18 troy oz.	£4,675

More Information On Silver Bells

Sterling silver bells have been made since the mid 18th century, but are rare before around the 1790’s, with the earliest known examples being from around the 1740’s. Most silver bells take a similar form, with an inverted cup like mid part (termed the krater), a flared mouth, vertical handle, and clapper (also termed the tongue). The clapper strikes against the lower rim of the bell, (sometimes referred to as the sound-bow), and it is this which causes the bell to vibrate and emit a musical note. Typically this lower rim is undecorated, but may occasionally feature ribbed decoration, whilst the cup can often be ornately decorated, either with chased or engraved work. The most decorative silver bells are figural bells, made to represent various human figures as well as animals.

Antique sterling silver table bells have been made since the Victorian period, although these work in a different way. The bell is left still on the table, and the clapper is operated either by a plunger or screw style mechanism, again causing the clapper to strike the sound-bow and produce a musical tone. These silver bells can be mounted onto bases, and are often ornately decorated with pierced and chased work.