Here is something that's a family heirloom of sorts, LOL.
My Grandparents had this cowbell that was, a long, LONG time ago, may or may not have been on the family cow.
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| Antique cowbell |
I couldn't find a mark or name on it, so I'm not sure who made it originally. It appears to be brass, or at least iron and brass and is very sturdy. It almost looks hand made the way the metal is bent around the corners.
Of course, back then they were probably ALL handmade, ha.
Above, the rivets on the side are still holding tight after all this time and below, you can see the part that makes noise. It has this great clanking metal sound that we can imagine hearing years ago to let someone know where their cow was.
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| Vintage cowbell |
Unfortunately, I don't know much of the family story behind it. For example, the name of the cow? How many did they have? Sadly, now there is no one to ask...missed opportunities...but we move forward.
Of course it will look cool just sitting on the desk at the farm, but we were actually thinking of using it almost like a dinner bell...we thought that might be a fun way to re-purpose it for use today.
Or any other suggestions?
Well, I had a friend that lived on an island in the Great Lakes and she used a cowbell to scare away the bears.
ReplyDeleteHa, no bears but hey, there are coyotes roaming around I wonder if it would work for them? Thanks!
DeleteHow cool!
ReplyDeleteCleaning Dad's shop, I have found quite a collection of bells.
That's awesome. And you know each one had such a story...
DeleteSimple answer...buy a cow
ReplyDeleteYou win the internet for that, ha. :-)
DeleteAs far as the history goes you could look up your grandparents old tax records. That will tell you how much land & livestock they had.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow, great idea. I know they didn't have much land, but that's a great idea about researching, thanks!!
DeleteI think that is a neat family heirloom!
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
Deleteuse it as your front doorbell, or get a cow.
ReplyDeleteHa, you and John! Love it. Actually a doorbell is kind of fun, of course no one would stop by 90% of the time but it would be fun anyway, ha.
Deletedinner bell would be cool!
ReplyDeleteyep we like that idea too. Thanks!!
DeleteFantastic use of a family treasure!
ReplyDeleteThank you, it will be a great conversation piece for sure.
DeleteI like John Grey's answer. And am completely unsurprised at it coming from him. People would probably give me cows. Sick cows, old cows, neurotic cows...
ReplyDeleteLOL! You made me crack up and 2nd Man looked at me like I was crazy. Cows with three legs...cows with crossed eyes...
Deleteyou know you want a cow! as for "more cowbell" ever think of starting up a band? have you seen the SNL skit about more cowbell? it's really freakin funny - i mean, really freakin funny!
ReplyDeletebahahahahah! i am laughing just thinking about it! sending much love to you both! your friend,
kymber
That's wehre I got that from. Classic SNL skit, we love it. ;-)
DeleteThank you as always!!!
Love It! What a great family item heirloom and Oh, the memories the bell must have. If only it could talk.
ReplyDeleteI have a few old cow bells that I have collected throughout the years.
The Cow Bell:
Not much of a bell
Where city folks dwell,
Nor much on the tone
When ringing alone,
But for taking you back to the old farm scenes,
Back into childhood beyond the teens,
It knocks all others to smithereens —
That old cow-bell.
(part of a poem by Fred Emerson Brooks)
You are our poem queen...thank you for this. Wonderful!!!
DeleteHang it on your porch. Maybe the wind will make it ring out.
ReplyDeleteHmm, not a bad idea either. Thank you! It's kind of heavy might have to be a strong wind, but hey, if we hear the cowbell ringing we know it's a big storm coming, right? :-)
DeleteWhat a perfect family heirloom for your Farm. Seems like your roots are calling you back to the country. I love the rustic construction of that bell.
ReplyDeleteYep, there is something calling me back. 2nd Man is eager and along for the ride too, ha. We're not sure what we'll learn about ourselves once we ARE there full time. Time will tell!
DeleteMy first thought of what to do with a cowbell was to buy a cow. It does look like the local blacksmith made it.
ReplyDeleteHa, another cow vote! Can't have that anytime soon but perhaps someday!! It definitely seems homemade...or local made I guess...
Delete1st Man,
ReplyDeleteI would hang it outside on your front porch so visitors can ring it.
Hang it freely like a chime, maybe with a great old rope??
That's a great idea na dI love the old rope idea. Thanks!!
DeleteSorry to bust your bubble, but that is not the original clapper. I'm betting if you found a blacksmith, he could make one for it. Or, maybe, in your antiquing excursions you may find a replacement. Sorry for the bad news. And, you could just use it the way it is. M
ReplyDeleteHey, that's ok. I'm sure somewhere along the way they had to have it repaired. Now that would be an awesome story to know. Did ol' Bessie take off running and get her bell caught in a barbed wire fence? Ha. Thanks!!
DeleteJust wondering what the dimensions are! Love it! Saw one in a little antique store and am considering buying it!!
ReplyDeleteSorry for delay on this...I don't have the measurements handy but if I had to guess I'd say about 8" high? It's a cool thing, hope you find one!
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