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This is a box-shaped metal canister sheep bell with no clapper. It has two loops (staples) on the crown to which leather straps are attached, and these are joined by a connecting strap (yoke). Canister bells are the oldest type of sheep bell and are the same width from shoulder to mouth, with a flat crown. Bells were used by shepherds to help them locate their sheep.
Physical description
1 sheep bell: metal; leather; good condition
Archival history
Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) page 1 - 'No.17 [pencil sketch] Canister Sheep Bell // The oldest of the 4 English types of sheep bells very worn except at the ends where the metal is doubled'Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) - 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940 // Shepherd's Andrews's "ship tackle". // 17. One canister bell with it's harness'