The wonderfully evocative and scarce Edwardian period leather and brass goat collar having twenty-two large and beautifully chiming crotal or sleigh-type bells suspended on metal hooks to quality thick leather hide with an incised three banded edge, the whole with its original primitive rawhide stitchwork and surviving from the very early twentieth century.
A private Gloucester Sporting Collection.
Bell collars are often used for livestock such as goats, sheep, and cows and are used to help herders keep track of animals while they are grazing in large areas, whilst the sound of the bells can also help lost animals find their way back to the herd. Historically, such bells were made of bronze or iron, and their use dates back to at least the 15th century.
A truly atmospheric object, desirable for both its untouched aesthetic and its enrapturing sound.
The collar is in beautifully un-meddled with condition with no abrasive cleaning. There is a lovely verdigris to the brass. The bells prove to be wonderfully Christmassy in tone.
By appointment only.
