Imperfect sleigh bell showing the metal was too cool when it was poured and chilled below the flowing temperature before the casting cavity was filled. Courtesy of Edwin Battison
Imperfect sleigh bell showing the metal was too cool when it was poured and chilled below the flowing temperature before the casting cavity was filled. Courtesy of Edwin Battison
Note on back of photo: Complete set of sleigh bells mounted on a leather stamp with a buckle for connecting the ends under the horse's belly. The close-up of the buckle shows a piece of leather slipped under the metal so it did not injure the horse." Courtesy of Pennsylvania State Farm Museum of Landis Valley
Note on back of photograph: " Top and side views of three bells used on straps, and usually called "sleigh bells" because they were used on horses when they were pulling a sleigh. Their function was to warn other travelers of their location because sleighs moved so quietly they could barely be heard. The designs and openings of the bells were cut into the patterns and imprinted in the metal when the castings were made. The initials W.B. presumably stand for William Barton."
Note on back of photo: Some important buttons connected with the early history of the United States. The top left button is known as an Inaugural button on which is placed the initials of the president. Around the edge is a chain of links, each one containing the initials of one of the thirteen colonies. The other examples are of the eighteenth century and are obviously connected with the President or the nation. Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Landis
Note on back of photo: Untouched brass castings as they were taken out of the sand. Hours of work were required to make the key useable in a lock. The other object is a keeper for a brass cased lock.
