Find Spot record 15923 - Metal Dectecting Find from The Bank

<1> Portable Antiquities Scheme, Various, Portable Antiquities Data Import, WMID-78C2C6 (Digital Archive). SCH5212.

A complete cast copper alloy crotal or rumbler bell of probable Post Medieval date (sixteenth to seventeenth centuries AD).

The bell is sub circular in plan and profile, with an integrally cast sub rectangular suspension loop attached to the top. The edges of the rectangular suspension loop have been bevelled. The base of the bell is semi-circular, with a rectangular slot across the base, with circular ends. Diagonal lines have been engraved as decoration, radiating away from the rectangular slot.

The bell was cast in one piece, using two opposing moulds. This casting method is indicated by the present of one complete and one incomplete 'sound holes' (internal diameter 3.9 mm) which are primarily to assist the positioning of the sand core. This sand core to allow the bell to be cast in one piece as opposed to cast in two separate halves and soldered together. These two-part moulds are split at the central girth rib, and no vertical mould lines are present. The central girth rib performs a useful purpose of accommodating any minor misalignments between the two halves, along with strengthening the bell and preserving the original appearance.

The bell is a dark green colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface detail. It measures 37.1 mm in length, with a diameter of 26.7 mm. It weighs 24.8 grams.

Crotal or rumbler bells in this style and method of construction date from sixteenth to seventeenth centuries AD. However, the style continues in use until the late eighteenth century, so the bell could be of any date from within that timeframe. Several similar examples have been recorded on the PAS database including HESH-FE94C0 from Shifnal, Shropshire and IOW-90D071 from the Isle of Wight.

<2> The British Museum, Portable Antiquities Scheme Online Database, WMID-78C2C6, HESH-FE94C0 & IOW-90D071 (Web Site). SCH5176.