Bronze? Bell and Wood Yoke: Info Request

Hi All,

I purchased this bell at an estate auction of an avid antiques collector and am wondering if anyone here can provide some information about it. I’m not seeking valuation as I didn’t pay much, but I’m curious as to whether it is authentic and if so, an age guesstimate. It is quite heavy, non-ferrous, very old looking wood yoke with a few square nails as well. On one side there is an embossing of what appears to be a religious figure holding a cross. I have a cast iron dinner bell outside my house that has a nice tone/ring, but this bell’s sound is remarkable…very clean and clear. I’ve read through several bell posts here and it seems there’s plenty of fakes, so not really sure about this one. Because the previous owner was a private collector of real antiques, I suspect this is authentic but everyone can be fooled. If you read this far, thank you. If you can provide any information, I would be very grateful. Thanks again

 

I think this is the oldest wooden yoke I've ever seen! I don't think the bell is nearly as old as the wood, but the fact of how it is cast rather lends itself to age. The depiction looks to me to be a religious figure clothed in robes holding a cross and perhaps a bible. It looks rather narrow, perhaps for a donkey, pony or a goat? No idea. It is very well worn and appears to have acquired the age spots naturally.

 

small town church bell , maybe ?

or..


https://www.easyliveauction.com/cat...tiques-and-decorative-interiors-sale-lot-161/

 

or , let's get interesting.....

https://www.antiques-delaval.com/fr...-turmeau-bordeaux-1774-claux-bell-xviiie.html

 

Yes, I think so, Komo. Thanks

 

Maybe these folks can identify it ...
http://www.brosamersbells.com/about.html

 

Oh, yes...that is Creaky with Age, the wood, anyway.

 

I don't see one, set up like the above......

 

Me, too...but that's quite a collection. 40,000 pounds of bronze? Don't try that in any ordinary home!

 

Thank you all for the fantastic feedback and information. Very interesting to see very similar bells in your responses, so I’ll consider the bell I have to be authentic. I may dig a bit more based on the links you’ve provided. Thanks again and much appreciated! Will hope to return the favor.

 

I've been a fan an' collector of cast iron items from the age of their common usage, for decades.
My focus in the pic above are the forged S-hook that links the chain to the magnificent 3-pieces; a cast-iron lever an' its pair of support brackets.
They're obviously original to the yoke, having withstood time's lengthy assault on that hearty wooden bell-hanger. I wish I could tell whether the fastener at the lever is a rivet or a (possibly hand-forged) bolt & nut.
But I'm well content to have gleaned a closer view of this handsome accessory from your image, Komo...Thanks!
EDIT: Y'know...that entire assembly just may be forged...blacksmith work, all of it. Wish I could get closer to it, to be sure.

 

A very nice find, Skinflint.
The entire construction hung in a bell tower, exposed to the elements. The wood is more weathered simply because is is wood. The bell is bronze, much more durable than wood.

The saint on the bell is St Eligius (Eloi, Eloy), a Frankish goldsmith and bishop. He is the patron saint of metalworkers and is usually depicted with a goldsmith's mallet, which is the object in his right hand. In his left hand he holds either a book or a model of a church, signifying he was a scholar and founder of churches/bishop.

 

https://hammermarks.wordpress.com/2010/11/27/st-eligius/

 

Thank you for the information about the religious figure…never thought it was a specific saint nor that it could be identified. Wow! Thank you again.

 

Thanks for this link…really helps my understanding.

 

I'm seeing St. Philip holding a cross and a book.

 

Very cool piece!