Antique Civil War Era Brass Horse Sleigh Bells 90 Leather Harness 19th Century

CIVIL WAR ERA BRASS HORSE BELL HARNESS Mid-19th Century. 90 Long An outstanding early horse bell harness retaining its original heavy leather strap, approximately 30 brass bells and remarkable early iron mounting hardware.

Measuring approximately 90 inches overall, this is a substantial working harness rather than a short decorative bell strap. THE BELLS The harness carries approximately 30 large cast brass bells, each displaying a wonderful dark, untouched surface developed through generations of age and use. The bells have the characteristic raised central ridge, large sound openings and heavy construction associated with early horse and carriage bells.

We have intentionally not polished or cleaned the brass. The surface you see is the surface in which this piece was found. THE FIGURE-8 RETAINERS One of the most interesting features of this harness is how the bells are mounted. Rather than later conventional riveted attachments, the bells are retained through the heavy leather with distinctive hand-formed iron figure-8 style pins/keepers.

These early attachment fittings, together with the leather construction, stitched keepers and period hardware, are an important part of what makes this harness particularly interesting. CIVIL WAR ERA Based upon its construction and hardware, we believe this harness dates to the mid-19th century, approximately the 1850s-1870s, placing it within the Civil War era. We use "Civil War Era" strictly as a period designation. We have no documentation connecting this particular harness to military or Civil War service and make no such claim. CONDITION This piece has been left exactly as an antique of this age should be.

The leather exhibits considerable age, dryness, cracking, surface loss and wear but remains impressively intact considering its age and 90-inch length. The iron fittings retain oxidation and surface rust, while the brass bells have a deep natural patina. Please examine every photograph carefully as the photographs are an important part of the condition description. Approximate overall length: 90 Bell count: Approximately 30 1 Bell Is Missing.

See Photos Materials: Brass bells, leather harness and iron hardware Period: Mid-19th century, believed c. 1850s-1870s A fantastic piece of early American horse, carriage and transportation history with tremendous visual presence. The long original leather strap, abundance of brass bells and unusual figure-8 mounting hardware make this a particularly compelling survivor. Perfect for an advanced collection of early equestrian equipment, horse-drawn transportation, primitive Americana, carriage or sleigh material, or simply as a dramatic 19th-century display piece.

Upstate Rust & Dust Johnstown, New York We specialize in local history, early advertising, antiques and unusual pieces of America's past.