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Desk Bell, 1870's French Ormolu, Mother of Pearl, Rare Celestial Motif USA Only

About the Item

This desk bell is French, and was created near 1870. It's constructed of ormolu; the unique process by which 24K gold is applied to bronze, creating a distinctive finish that was hugely popular in 18th and 9th century France. The striker hits the bell, which you cannot see without looking for it, as it is veiled from sight by gorgeous, oval, ormolu-framed mother-of-pearl. The bell sits upon an alabaster base. I've seen many bells that look almost exactly like this one. But there's one thing that makes this particular bell unique and that is the celestial theme. This slightly witchy bell has a crescent moon -waning or waxing, depending upon how you position the bell. Small full moons, five-pointed stars and crescent moons, on their backs, points up. In the Magical realm, such a moon represents the Devine Feminine: representing wisdom, power, and mystery. It also Shadow work; inner exploration. The symbol is further associated with banishing and releasing negativity. And receptive energy and intuition. I've never seen one of these late 19th century French bells exactly like this one. Excellent condition. Slight wear to the soft alabaster base, but that's fine. The bell looks gorgeous when you wax it with preservationist wax, then brush it gently with a soft horsehair shoe brush. Due to the mother-of-pearl, I am only able to ship this bell within the United States.
  • Metal:
  • Weight:
    193 g
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 3.5 in (88.9 mm)Width: 3 in (76.2 mm)Depth: 3 in (76.2 mm)
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1870
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Southbury, CT
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1589123757012

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