Historical information

Bells of this type were normally used to hang around the necks of cows, horses or bullocks to prevent them from being lost and were used from around the 1860's onwards. The initial J B identify the bell as being made by James Barwell who made bells for the Australian market from around the 1860's. His bell and brass foundry manufactured all sorts of bells from school bells to full church peals as well as plumbing fittings. The four marks on the edge of the bell are typical of those used by drovers or owners to identify their animal.

Significance

While this bell has no known local provenance, it is a link to the early cattle and agricultural life in Australia and most likely the Western District. Its significance lies in the fact that it is typical of bells used for a purpose at that time and as such can be used for discussion in a social and interpretive context.

Physical description

This is a brass bell of the type used to hang around the necks of animals such as cows, horses and bullocks. The mechanism for the attachment to a collar or harness has been sheared off and the clapper is detached from the inside hook. The bell has an inscription incised around the top and there are four small cuts or incisions made into the bell at the wider end. The bell is a little tarnished.

Inscriptions & markings

‘Success to 4 in horse teams J.B.’