"MAGICAL" BELLSTERLING SILVER NECKLACE - 18" CHAIN
The original of this mysteriously inscribed bell, complete with its clapper, is in the collection of the British Museum, from the Hull Grundy Bequest. It is Italian in origin, probably Roman, dated to the last quarter for the 19th century, but with a deeper history.
The bell was an exact copy, although on a much smaller scale, of an ancient engraved gold bell discovered on the Esquiline Hill in Rome. A two line inscription in Greek characters appears on the four sides of the bell, each line ending in a palmette.
The ancient inscription does not translate precisely. What can be deciphered indicates that the words are meant to be a magical charm to ward off or reflect evil thoughts and intent.
The 19th century bell was originally owned by Castellani, a famous jeweler of the period, who collected jewelry extensively, both ancient and intriguing pieces such as this "magical" bell.
Manufacturer: dvb New York
SKU: BR030NSTG
Sign In
