RARE Antique Brass Bell 1878 Chiantel Fondeur Horse Head Mount 7.5 Door Clapper

Offered here is a very rare Saingelegier Chiantel Fondeur 1878 "Door Clapper" type antique brass bell. This particular bell exhibits a very unusual horse head topper, and includes an internal clapper that can be rung with a strap or chain (in this case, someone has added a leather thong). Although this bell is absolutely antique and cast in the original Saingelegier Swiss style, it may not have been actually been made in Switzerland.

There is an embossed mark on the underside of the mounting bar that reads "Star Brass". I assume this is referring to the Star Brass Mfg. Which operated out of Boston, Massachusetts from the 1880s until the 1920s. This bell would therefore date to sometime during that period. I have been unable to find another Chiantel Fondeur bell like this one anywhere else online.

The bell alone measures 3.25" high and 4.5" wide at the base. The entire piece, including the horse topper, measures about 7.5 tall. This bell has a nice patina and appears to also have moderate abrading/fading of the embossed lettering, apparently as a result of prolonged exposure to the elements. Consistent with similar period items that were actually put to use, as opposed to merely being displayed for their aesthetic value. The clapper is 100% functional, and the tone of this bell is excellent.

Strip of leather attached to clapper is a more recent/modern addition.