Ring my bell

Crotal Bell

When I started metal detecting just over six years ago, one of the first nice relics I found was a large crotal bell. At the time, I'd never heard this word before. A crotal bell, usually made of brass or bronze, is hung around the neck of livestock or on the harnesses of horse-drawn vehicles. The one I found in 2020, while impressively large, was slightly broken and missing the little 'pea' or piece of metal inside that would allow it to ring.

I was lucky enough to find one recently that, while much smaller, was complete. Many years in the ground have given it a greenish patina. Once cleaned out, shaking it produces a lovely sound! I can't help but wonder about the day it last rang before it broke loose and fell.

When I posted this find on Facebook, several people asked to hear what it sounds like, so here's a short video showing just that:

Short video showing bell being rung.