Silver Hand Bell Appraisal

Tarnished Silver or Silver-Plated Hand Bell with Ribbon

The item appears to be a small antique or vintage hand bell, likely made of tarnished silver or silver-plated metal. Its overall form is that of a traditional bell, flaring out from a narrow neck to a wider, circular mouth. The surface exhibits significant tarnish, visible as dark, uneven patches and discoloration across the metallic surface, which suggests it is made of silver or a silver alloy that reacts with the air. Despite the tarnish, some areas show the reflective quality of polished metal. The clapper, or striker, is not visible in the image, but the interior of the bell's mouth shows a reflective, possibly brassy or gold-toned interior, which could indicate a bimetallic construction or a different plating on the inside. A distinguishing feature is a small, white ribbon tied in a bow around the narrowest part of the bell's neck, just below what would be the handle or top, suggesting it might have been part of a set, a decorative element, or a presentation piece. The craftsmanship appears to be relatively simple and functional, without elaborate engravings or repoussé work discernible from the image. The visible wear and tarnish suggest considerable age and use, aligning with the 'antique silver' context provided. The bottom of the bell's interior appears to have a circular flat surface, possibly where the clapper mechanism is attached or where it rests when inverted. This type of bell might have been used for dining, as a call bell, or purely for decorative purposes. The patina indicates it has not been recently polished, retaining its aged character.