51/557

Robert Wells (Maker)

This small horse bell, also known as a 'rumbler' or 'crotal bell', was made by Robert Wells of Aldbourne, Wiltshire, and probably dates from the eighteenth century or early nineteenth century. Bells like this were made in sets but this one is unnumbered.

1 rumbler bell: metal; good condition

Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) – 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940 // Horse furniture // 74-81. 8 horse bells, "rumblers=, [sic] the largest 21b and 2 oz. Most of the horse bells one finds are stamped RW for Robert Wells whose family were an old bell founders company in Aldbourne, Wilts. Their works were afterwards sold and became the foundation of the Whitechapel bell foundary. Some of my bells are RW, some ES and one is a copy of one of Moreland's' (Set of 8 possibly incl. 51/555, 51/556, 51/557, 51/558, 51/559, 51/560 and 51/561), Heritage of the Hendreds Exhibition 1969 - 'Catalogue of Exhibits // Number 352 // Horse Bell // Lent by MERL Miss Smith c.' (This description could also be in reference to 51/555, 51/560, 51/556, 51/561, 51/789, 51/558 and 51/559)

Aldbourne

1755-01-01 - 1825-12-31

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)