51/553

Cup bells were usually made of brass or bell metal and casts in sets, numbered accordingly. This bell is numbered '12' and has a single strap for hanging round the neck of a sheep. Bells helped shepherds to locate their sheep.

1 sheep bell: metal (brass or bell, cast); leather; good condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'This is a cup bell. Cup bells were usually cast in sets and made of brass or bell metal. // The sets were cast in tune and numbered accordingly. This bell is numbered 12 on the top. It has a single strap for hanging round the neck of the sheep and is 3.2 inches high and 3.5 inches across the mouth.', Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) - 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940 // Shepherd's Andrews's "ship tackles". // 13-16. Four cup bells with their harness' (Smith's description could also be in reference to the other cup bell in the collection, 51/564), Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) page 1 - 'No.13 // [pencil sketch] // Cup bell or scotch bell', Heritage of the Hendreds Exhibition 1969 - 'Catalogue of Exhibits // Number 334 // Three Cup Bells with their Harness // Lent by MERL Miss Smith c.'

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)
Andrews