裝飾鐘 - S.SCHOPFER - 瑞士 - 巨大的铃铛（3公斤）

alpine rare cow bell S.SCHOPFER (Saanen/Gessenay), bronze decorated with saint & winged lion, exceptional timbre – professionally repaired

Subject : Authentic bronze cow bell (clarine / toupin d'alpage)
Caster: S. SCHOPFER (famous Saanen / Gessenay dynasty, Oberland bernois, Suisse – active 19th – mid 20th century)
Estimated period : Late 19th – early 20th century (family moulds often reused across generations: Samuel, Charles, Victor Schopfer)
Precise dimensions :
Total height (including handle) : 18 cm
Base diameter : 21 cm
Weight : 3 kg
Description and decoration :
Beautiful patinated bronze bell, typical of Swiss alpage clarines for lead cows.
Foundry mark S.SCHOPFER engraved in relief on the outer face (several instances), with emblematic motifs of the foundry:
Heraldic eagle (recurrent symbol chez les Schopfer).
Auraed saint figure (likely a patron saint protector of livestock, with cloak and frame).
Winged lion / mythical griffin holding an object (symbol of strength and guardian).
Floral decoration: acorns and leaves (representing alpine nature, fertility).
Original wrought-iron handle, sturdy and typical.
Condition :
Very good overall for its age, with a beautiful old bronze patina.
Presence of an ancient professional repair (soldered by a bell expert bronzier – clean, discreet work, reinforcing the structure without altering aesthetics).
Major strong point: the sound remains exceptional – clear, powerful and harmonious timbre, typical of the best Schopfer productions (often considered the most musical of Swiss clarines). No audible crack, long and vibrant resonance.
History and context :
The Schopfer foundry men of Saanen (Gessenay) formed one of the most renowned dynasties in Switzerland for bronze livestock bells. Their pieces, carefully moulded, often bear protective religious motifs (saints, angels, symbols) to invoke divine blessing on alpine herds (against avalanches, predators, diseases).
This bell belongs to the great pastoral Alpine Bernese tradition, a patrimonial object sought by Swiss folk art collectors, antique clarines and rural objects.
Why this bell is special :
Visible and authentic S.SCHOPFER mark.
Rare and detailed motifs (saint + winged lion).
Sound preserved despite ancient repair – rare for a repaired piece.
Medium-large size (ideal for lead cow), balanced weight.