Decorative ornament - Ancient equestrian bell c






Holds a bachelor's degree in history of art and architecture, with 12 years of experience in decorative arts.
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An antique equestrian bell mounted on an authentic saddle bracket marked “SOLID NICKEL”, the bell in a non‑ferrous nickel‑finish alloy with a 6 relief and a cursive “V.F.” monogram, dating to 1850–1900, with clapper present and working, original fabric strap, dimensions 16 × 13 × 8.5 cm and weight about 1 kg, patinated and unrestored.
Description from the seller
Ancient English stirrup bell mounted on an authentic saddle stirrup stamped "SOLID NICKEL", a typical marking of British production intended for the equestrian world between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The stirrup is made of non-ferrous alloy with a nickel finish ("Solid Nickel"), while the bell bears a pleasant aged patina, consistent with the object's age. On the body of the bell there are two reliefs: on one side the number 6, on the other an elegant cursive monogram "V.F.", probably created directly in the casting.
The monogram is not attributed to a specific manufacturer: it is likely to represent the initials of the original owner, of a stable, a estate, or the client, giving the object an exclusive and personalized character.
Research on the stirrup and the marking "SOLID NICKEL" points toward a probable English production, with particular reference to the Walsall area, a historic center of British saddle-making, where, from the late 19th to the early 20th century, high-quality horse equipment and accessories were produced.
The item retains an authentic usage patina and has not undergone invasive restorations. The clapper is present and fully functional. The fabric strap appears to be from the period and is an integral part of the object's historical charm.
It is a decoratively striking item, ideal for collectors of equestrian memorabilia, rural antiques, country house and interior design enthusiasts.
The photographs are an integral part of the description and faithfully document the preservation state, construction details, and dimensions.
Era: late 19th – early 20th century (approximately 1880–1915)
Origin: probably England
Materials: non-ferrous alloy with "Solid Nickel" finish, metal alloy bell, original fabric strap.
Seller's Story
Ancient English stirrup bell mounted on an authentic saddle stirrup stamped "SOLID NICKEL", a typical marking of British production intended for the equestrian world between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The stirrup is made of non-ferrous alloy with a nickel finish ("Solid Nickel"), while the bell bears a pleasant aged patina, consistent with the object's age. On the body of the bell there are two reliefs: on one side the number 6, on the other an elegant cursive monogram "V.F.", probably created directly in the casting.
The monogram is not attributed to a specific manufacturer: it is likely to represent the initials of the original owner, of a stable, a estate, or the client, giving the object an exclusive and personalized character.
Research on the stirrup and the marking "SOLID NICKEL" points toward a probable English production, with particular reference to the Walsall area, a historic center of British saddle-making, where, from the late 19th to the early 20th century, high-quality horse equipment and accessories were produced.
The item retains an authentic usage patina and has not undergone invasive restorations. The clapper is present and fully functional. The fabric strap appears to be from the period and is an integral part of the object's historical charm.
It is a decoratively striking item, ideal for collectors of equestrian memorabilia, rural antiques, country house and interior design enthusiasts.
The photographs are an integral part of the description and faithfully document the preservation state, construction details, and dimensions.
Era: late 19th – early 20th century (approximately 1880–1915)
Origin: probably England
Materials: non-ferrous alloy with "Solid Nickel" finish, metal alloy bell, original fabric strap.
