How Are Sleigh Bells Made?
Sleigh bells are an iconic image of Christmas and the holiday season. The ornaments are mentioned in numerous carols and used in whimsical decorating. How are they made?
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A Brief History of Sleigh Bells
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For centuries, bells have been mounted on horses or the equipment they pulled, to warn approaching drivers or pedestrians. Most bells were made from silver or gold, so they were also symbols of wealth.
Types of Sleigh Bells
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Today, sleigh bells can be created from many different metals such as silver, gold, bronze, sterling silver-plated and even gold-plated. Craft stores often carry inexpensive sleigh bells for home decor purposes. These bells are usually made of cheaper metals and come in different shapes and sizes.
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Well-Known Bell Makers
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In England, bells were created at a famous foundry run by Robert Wells I and his sons, Robert II and James. The Wells family's foundry cast all types of bells from about 1760 to 1826. Their products bore a familiar "RW" inscription and an intricate petal design.
Making Sleigh Bells
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Sleigh bells were, and usually still are, made in a foundry, a factory where castings are made from molten metal. The bell can be molded from one solid metal or a cheaper metal and then plated with, for example, silver or brass. Deep, intricate engravings can also be done on the surface of the bell.
Sleigh Bells Today
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There are still many quality bell makers around today, and they keep the tradition alive by crafting bells the same way their ancestors did. Custom sleigh bells can be used on a horse or equine-drawn sled, but sleigh bells are also sought by consumers for holiday and winter decorating or gifts.
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