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Farm Bells

	Farm and garden bells come in all shapes, metals, and sizes, and are coveted for decoration as well as sound quality. In recent times, bells have become an increasingly popular lawn ornament. Where they were once used to call workers in and out of the fields or signal a mealtime, their rustic appeal and tintinnabulations now echo in home and garden magazines across the country. The first bells are thought to be made no later than the second century, and their original appearance was vastly different from the bells we know today. Like miniature gongs, bells were flat discs of metal and were usually attached to the robes of priests. As the priests moved, the discs would clang together like wind chimes and notify any and all of the approaching men of high standing. Ironically, bells have come to be used in a similar fashion with cows and other herd animals. From priests and churches to livestock and farms and now into backyards, bells have evolved from warning and communication into ornamentation and decoration. Bells are made from a variety of metals including brass, bronze, copper, tin, and aluminum. Each metal produces a different sound when struck and has a different aesthetic appeal. Some metals have been used for centuries because of their exceptional timbre and tonal qualities, while others have been sought for their gleam.

Longhorn Farm Bell

Made of Cast Aluminum
13 1/2 Inches Tall

Cape Cod Farm Bell

Made from Cast Aluminum
12 1/2 Inches Tall

Traditional Farm Bell

Made of Cast Aluminum
Rustic and Traditional Design
12 Inches Tall

Prairie Farm Bell

16 1/2 Inches Tall
Made of Cast Aluminum

Locomotive Bell

Made of Cast Aluminum
14 1/2 Inches Tall

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Farm and Garden Bells

Traditional bells made especially for ringing are comprised of bell metal, which is a bronze containing about 20% tin. Such bells manufactured for their exquisite, crisp sound. Bronze itself is a coppery alloy, usually with tin as a main additive, and its name is thought to be a derivative of the Persian word for copper, birinj. Bell metal or bell bronze is also highly resistant to corrosion and thus maintains its orange-gold glean despite weathering. Brass is a metal similar to bronze; it�s a copper alloy containing zinc instead of tin. Brass bells are equally resonant, which is why musical instruments are typically made with either bronze or brass.

Copper bells were common to the southwestern Native American and western Mexican tribes. Today they are sold as antiques or even archeological trinkets. Copper bells are not known for their resonant sound, but can provide a visually gorgeous and historic feel. While resistant to rust from water, copper reacts with oxygen in air. This oxidation slowly forms a layer of green copper oxide on top of the metal. This green coat is ideal for an old country aesthetic, especially when tangled in ivy or vines.

Newer farm and garden bells are usually made with luminous irons or highly resistant aluminums. Iron bells may be cast iron, wrought iron, or steel alloy. While pure iron is highly susceptible to rust, modern bells are treated or infused with additives to maintain their bright sheen. Aluminum is an equally shiny metal and is often chemically altered to maintain its luster.

In searching for the right bell, one must take into account the metal. For an old-fashioned look, copper is suitable. For a glossy shine, aluminum or iron is preferred. If the sound is important, brass or bronze is the avenue to pursue. These bells come in all sizes and can be mounted on walls and posts or even lie cracked in a garden bed to exude an overgrown or subtle, Secret-Garden elegance. Whatever the goal, bells are rich in history and utility, and make a fine addition to home and garden beautification.