Brass bell

Found this today. Looks like an old sanctuary bell. How old I'm not sure.

 

Definitely antique. A lot were made in the 19th century.
We call those Evangelist bells, because they have the symbols of the four Evangelists of the gospels.
The lion stands for Marc, the bull for Luke, the eagle for John, and the angel for Mathew.

 

Thanks for the info. Wasn't sure how to refer to it.. I've seen a fair few recently but none looking this old. A lot of references to them as being sanctuary bells, but not sure what the reference to sanctuary means. I guess they are used as some part of Catholic practices. I'm assuming Catholicism due to the Latin on them.

 

If a sanctuary bel is the same as what we call a "kloosterbel" (monastery bell), it is a bell that hangs from a bracket on the wall.

Evangelist bells are hand held, but not used in religious practice as far as I know. Just like Apostle spoons aren't used in religious practice either.

 

They're probably still made, but with that very smoothly worn base, yours is antique.

 

Apologies for my ignorance but I didn't have a religious upbringing so I am a bit baffled by it all. The only time I have been in a Catholic church was for my grand mother's funeral. I wasn't quite sure what they were talking about.

Not sure what the difference is between an evangelist and a sanctuary bell is. I will have to look it up.

Apostle spoons?

 

I wasn't sure if it was age worn or a crap casting. The green fluffy stuff in the crevices made me believe it had some age though.

 

Both. The casting isn't good, but the base 'ring' is nicely worn.

 

That is polish residue.

 

Ahh brasso.