Is this a bell?

[John 'n' W.Va]

It is copper or brass. When I dug it up and it was full of mud, I thought it was a pipe fitting. After cleaning out the mud It looked like a bell. It is not threaded and is slightly beveled, so it can't be a pipe fitting. Possibly the hole on the top was for a handle. It is 1 1/8" tall and OD at the bottom is 2".

[attachment 71935 10-30-07bell.jpg]

 

[fwcrawford]

I have an item that is exactly like what you have that I found around an old home that dates back to the early 1800's.
I don't know what it is, but thought is was part of a lamp fixture.
I'll post a photo when I get a chance.
Hopefully someone can ID this item for you.
Good luck

 

[fieldboy]

n/t

 

[tabdog]

n/t

 

[tabdog]

n/t

 

[Nemo]

Would not be surprised given the age of the house that is might be an old fashioned crank doorbell. You would twist a knob or key at the side of the front door to make it work.

Dave Poche

Further: I googled "twist door bell" and found several pictures of what I am talking about dimensions of the bell just about match.

 

[fwcrawford]

It measures 1 1/2" high and 2 3/4" in diameter and I think it is made of bronze.