Context (Found together / assemblage)
This bell was found in a bag of similar bells (TEMP.00685-TEMP.00703) with a handwritten note reading 'NO PROV'.
Event Date
Author: David Kay

Context (Production / use)
The Portable Antiquities Scheme has registered numerous bells similar to this one, also inscribed 'R W', including SF-AF5876. The record for that bell notes that: 'The initials RW probably relate to the Wells Foundry at Aldbourne and in particular to founders Robert Wells I (1760-1781) and Robert Wells II (1781-1799).' At least four other bells in the Museum's collections (1921.63.94, 1921.1072, 1921.1073 and 1921.1076) are also initialled 'R W'.
Event Date
Author: David Kay

Context (Found together / assemblage)
Nineteen apparently unaccessioned crotal bells (TEMP.00685-TEMP.00703) were found together in the museum store. Some or all of them may have been accessioned and become disassociated with their museum number, or they may never have been formally accessioned into the museum's collection.
Event Date 7/11/2018
Author: David Kay

Context (Amendments / updates)
Whilst there is no catalogue card, accession register entry, or other contextual information available for this specific object, given the information obtained from the Portable Antiquities Scheme (see Production note), the Period field has been filled as 'Post Medieval; 18th century'. Similarly, whilst we do not know this object's find spot, it was made in a foundry in Wiltshire, therefore, the Place field has been filled as 'Europe' British Isles; England'.

Event Date 7/11/2018
Author: David Kay

Description (Physical description)
Spherical crotal bell with intact suspension loop. Two circular holes in upper half, with an elongated sound slot joining two further holes in the lower half. Sunburst-style decoration and inscribed initials 'R W' on lower half. Upper half mostly plain but with circle around suspension loop and inscribed '7'. Inner contains a cast iron 'pea'. A copper alloy pin and washer are joined through the suspension loop.
Event Date 7/11/2018
Author: David Kay

Context (Related Documents)
See 'Report on Collections Research and Cataloguing Project on Post Medieval 'To Be Disposed Of' Material' by David Kay in the archive (Doc.474) for background information.
Event Date 2019
Author: Esther Laver