Bell with hook

[simonthesearcher]

I have a feeling the hook is going to be a lot older than the bell.Am trying to find out so will let you know.The hook is a snake form.

 

[Texaspast]

If I had found the hawk bell in East Texas, I'd be really excited - I'd figure it was from the de Soto (then Moscoso) expedition of the 1540s. They left them all across the southeast U.S., but none have been found in East Texas - yet. I've never seen anything like that snake hook, though. It doesn't look like it goes with the bell, for sure. Why do you think it would be older than the bell?

 

[del]

thats got to be the oldest looking rumbler i've ever seen Simon , very crudely made. very neat find

 

[Rainman]

Having been in the antiques restoration field for 25+ years I would say you have a couple of possibilities. 1. It is a nice jingle bell simply hand made sometime in the last 100+ years or 2. this would be my stronger lean.... it is what it appears to be and the large loop and thick gage of the metal are showing it to be a very early item from long before the age on industrialization and manufacture... which in the us is about 1830. The snake is a very nice symbolism... and likely has merit in it origin evaluation.... I would not at this time touch the piece beyond a very soft tooth brush and warm water... no oils, cleaners or any other solvent etc.... Store it in a cool dry place... moisture is bad!

The photos you have are very good... I would contact a museum with notoriety in such items as you suspect and let them give you their thoughts... it may take some time to get a response but if it is what you suspect you "will" need their evaluation for any legit authentication.

Let me know if I can help you further..

Don