Dating Bells

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Early bells (late 1700s through about 1845)
Mid-to-late 1800s bells (about 1845-1940)
Recent bells (after about 1940)

Early bells (late 1700s through about 1845)

Bells were worn by horses in North America in the 1500s and 1600s, but these bells are incredibly rare.

As far as I know, the very earliest North American horse bells are found at the sites of early European settlements along the eastern seaboard of the United States and along the paths of Spanish expeditions through Mexico and the southwestern and southern United States.

The very earliest North American horse bells that an average person is likely to find, however, will date from the late 1700s through about 1845. Only a few of the antique sleigh bells on the market -- perhaps 1-2% -- date to this era.

Here are some of the key characteristics of late 1700s and early 1800s bells:

Most are petal bells with an intricate, crisp design, but a few are totally plain.

Petal bells are often egg shaped with only a gentle hump or ridge around the middle.

Two holes in the base of all bells. These holes are large -- roughly 3/8" diameter or even more.

The throat (slit) across a petal bell should end in large circular openings.

Shanks of bells should have a U-shaped hole or a drilled (not cast) circular hole.

Bells are rose-gold or brownish-gold in color when polished.

Numbers to indicate size or the maker's name or initials may be found on some bells.

See also Comparing new & old bells, History, Petal Bells, and Crotals.

Mid-to-late 1800s bells (about 1845-1940)

The vast majority of horse and sleigh bells were made from about 1845 to about 1920. When in doubt, it is fairly safe to assume your bells are probably from this era.

Some, perhaps most, of the "new" sleigh bells sold between the World Wars were bells made in earlier years. Most sleigh-bell makers went out of business by 1920, leaving unsold inventory available for later sale.

Here are some key features of bells made in the mid to late 1800s and early 1900s:

Bells smaller than about 1 3/4" diameter were made in many styles. Most larger bells have a petal or Swedish design.

Petal bells have a distinct ridge or rim around the middle.

The throat (slit) across a petal bell should end in larger circular openings. Throats on other bell designs may or may not have this detail.

Bells larger than 1 1/4" in diameter usually have four holes in the base. Bells 1 1/4" and smaller may have two or four small holes in the base.

Shank bells should have U-shaped hole or a circular hole drilled (not cast) through the shank.

Rivet bells should have a hole drilled through the bottom to accept a rivet or a screw. These bells date to the 1860s or later.

Cast brass bells are rose-gold or brownish-gold in color when polished. Machine-stamped bells are butter-yellow in color.

Nickel plating dates bells to the 1870s or later. Chrome plating dates bells to the 1920s or later.

See also Comparing new & old bells, Bell Designs, History, Crotals, and Sizing Bells.

Recent bells (after about 1940)

Sleigh bells produced after about 1940 are considered to be new, recent or reproduction bells, since they were made long after the horse-and-buggy era had ended. All new sleigh bells produced in large volumes are manufactured in India, Pakistan, China, Taiwan, etc.

Characteristics of new bells include the following:

Most have a petal design. but Swedish, acorn, raspberry, double-throat, and plain bells are also made.

The ends of the throat (slit) of new petal bells usually do not end in larger circular openings.

Bells are butter-yellow in color when polished.

Shanks on new petal bell have cast or drilled circular openings. I am not aware of new bells made with a cast "U" shank.

New Swedish style bells will usually have shanks like petal bells.

See also Fakes: Old bells that aren't, Comparing new & old bells, Rogues' Gallery, and Sizing Bells.