Late Victorian Oak, Horn & Brass Presentation Dinner Bell

A superb and highly decorative late Victorian oak, natural horn and brass presentation dinner bell, dating to circa 1890. The impressive table bell is constructed around a substantial oak base supporting a magnificent pair of curved natural cattle horns. These rise to form an arch from which the large brass bell is suspended, the horns finished with decorative metal mounts and joined centrally by a turned finial. The shaped oak centre is mounted with a blank shield-shaped cartouche, while further decorative metal mounts embellish the corners of the square oak base. Of particular interest, the brass bell carries a faint period engraved presentation inscription. Years of use and historic polishing have rendered sections of the engraving difficult to decipher, although wording including “grateful acknowledgement” and a reference apparently ending “Department” remain visible. The inscription has deliberately been left as found and no attempt has been made to enhance or re-engrave it. The original-style wooden handled and cord-bound striker accompanies the bell and rests across two purpose-made supports on the base. A wonderfully evocative piece of late Victorian domestic and social history. Dinner bells and gongs of this type would have been used in substantial country houses and larger residences to announce dinner and other occasions. The additional presentation inscription gives this particular example an intriguing history and distinguishes it from the more commonly encountered uninscribed examples. The combination of richly figured oak, naturally coloured horn and aged brass gives the piece tremendous decorative presence, making it equally suitable for a traditional interior, country house collection or as an unusual statement piece. Materials: Oak, natural cattle horn, brass and metal