Detail of a decorated brass bell showing raised Latin lettering around the shoulder and a figure within a lobed cartouche, flanked by scrolling foliage above the flared rim.

Copper-Alloy Monastery-Type Bell with Latin Inscription — Probably European, c.1880–1930

€125.00
€125.00
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Detail of a decorated brass bell showing raised Latin lettering around the shoulder and a figure within a lobed cartouche, flanked by scrolling foliage above the flared rim.
  • Detail of a decorated brass bell showing raised Latin lettering around the shoulder and a figure within a lobed cartouche, flanked by scrolling foliage above the flared rim.
  • Brass handbell with an oval loop handle, raised Latin lettering around the shoulder, and a religious figure within a medallion flanked by scrolling foliage. Slide headed “A Message in Latin.”
  • Close view of a brass bell showing raised figures within lobed frames, alternating with scrolling foliage against a finely stippled background, above a broad flared rim.
  • Detail of a brass bell showing a worn relief figure holding a long diagonal attribute within a lobed frame, surrounded by scrollwork and a textured ground.
  • Angled close-up of a brass bell showing its broad suspension loop, a small hole through the upper edge, stepped shoulder mouldings and part of the raised inscription below.
  • Close-up of a brass bell showing a central leaf above curling scrolls, cast in relief against a textured ground, with darkened recesses and brighter worn edges.
  • Alternate view of a brass bell with a relief figure in a shaped cartouche, foliate scrollwork and partial Latin inscription above a flared rim. Dark patina contrasts with brighter raised details and reddish brown recesses.
  • Underside of a brass bell showing its darkened interior, metal clapper with rounded striking end, suspension loop and replacement securing wire.
  • Detail of a decorated brass bell showing raised Latin lettering around the shoulder and a figure within a lobed cartouche, flanked by scrolling foliage above the flared rim.
  • Brass handbell with an oval loop handle, raised Latin lettering around the shoulder, and a religious figure within a medallion flanked by scrolling foliage. Slide headed “A Message in Latin.”
  • Close view of a brass bell showing raised figures within lobed frames, alternating with scrolling foliage against a finely stippled background, above a broad flared rim.
  • Detail of a brass bell showing a worn relief figure holding a long diagonal attribute within a lobed frame, surrounded by scrollwork and a textured ground.
  • Angled close-up of a brass bell showing its broad suspension loop, a small hole through the upper edge, stepped shoulder mouldings and part of the raised inscription below.
  • Close-up of a brass bell showing a central leaf above curling scrolls, cast in relief against a textured ground, with darkened recesses and brighter worn edges.
  • Alternate view of a brass bell with a relief figure in a shaped cartouche, foliate scrollwork and partial Latin inscription above a flared rim. Dark patina contrasts with brighter raised details and reddish brown recesses.
  • Underside of a brass bell showing its darkened interior, metal clapper with rounded striking end, suspension loop and replacement securing wire.
Copper-Alloy Monastery-Type Bell with Latin Inscription — Probably European, c.1880–1930

Copper-Alloy Monastery-Type Bell with Latin Inscription — Probably European, c.1880–1930

€125.00
€125.00
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A cast copper-alloy bell, probably brass, with a substantial suspension loop, stepped shoulder and flared mouth. Raised Latin lettering encircles the shoulder above a band of stylised figures within lobed frames, alternating with scrolling foliage. The lettering follows the familiar bell motto Qui me tangit vocem meam audit, meaning “Whoever touches me hears my voice”;  Commonly described as a monastery-type bell, it could have served a signalling function, although its original setting and any ecclesiastical use are unrecorded.

The body and raised ornament were formed by casting, with smooth moulded bands contrasting with the stippled decorative ground. The surface displays scratches, abrasions, uneven brown and reddish coloration, brighter wear to raised details and local green oxidation. A metal clapper remains suspended inside, secured with replacement wire; the bell rings, as demonstrated in the accompanying recording. Provisionally dated to the late 19th or early 20th century, it is of interest for its inscription, relief ornament and bell construction. The maker, precise alloy and manufacturing location remain unidentified.

Circa:
Provisionally c.1880–1930; exact date unconfirmed.

Provenance:
Thomas Guenther Collection, Netherlands.

Measurements:
Base Diameter: 23.5 cm; Height: 21.7 cm, as supplied. 

Weight:
1.3 kg.

Condition:
Surface scratches, abrasions and uneven dark brown and reddish coloration, with brighter wear to raised decoration and local green oxidation. Clapper secured with replacement wire. Bell rings. Please examine the photographs, including the underside, for condition details.

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