Selling (18 ) solid brass TUCKER Sleigh bells (1876-1878) These bells are 142 years old. The photo only shows 16 bells but after taking the photo I found that there were 18 bells in the group. These measure as #2 bells, 1 1/4\", 31mm diameter.
These are called TUCKER bells. Made by Major George W. Tucker of Waterbury, Connecticut during the period 1876-1878. The actual markings on the bells read....... Pat Oct 24,76 and May 14, 78. There is also a makers mark of a small diamond with a dot in the center.
These are the only sleigh bells that are stamped with patent dates. They have 2 throat slits. These are all rivet mount bells. All the bells are marked and in good condition. Some of the markings are not as clear as others but a little cleaning with steel wool brings out the date markings. The bells are not cracked and do not have other errors like small holes that are not supposed to be there. These bells all have a sharp ring tone and they sound great.
Below is a story on these TUCKER bells taken from the internet.
The base of the most common style of \"patent\" or \"Tucker\" bells is circled with two patent dates of \'PAT OCT 24 (76) & MAY 14 (78). A makers mark of a diamond with a small dot in the center may also be present. Later Tucker bells are completely plain, but are otherwise identical ln shape and design details to earlier versions.
These bells are found in single throat (slit) double throat and triple throat versions with many minor variations in size, shape and design. Nearly all Tucker bells are machine stamped fromyellowbrass sheet,although small number of triple throat versions were also stamped from sheet steel. The bells wereprobably produced by the American RingCompany of Waterbury, Connecticut that was organized in October. Tuckers two patents describe the manufacture of a double throat bell stamped from thick sheet brass. Tucker was awarded 21 design patents between 1869 and 1882, including the two for his sleigh bells. Tucker, a prominent respected citizen of Waterbury and an officer of the American Ring Company was dismissed in disgrace from the company in 1886 after being accused of embezzling a substantial sum of money.
