what the heck is this???

Does anybody know anything about this item? hubby has one handed down from his gran, its brass, but he wants to know more about it. i.e. what it is exactly, how old it is etc. theres no makers mark on it anywhere. I took this pic off google and despite looking for ages, its the only one! and it was off an image store site, so no info with it. any ideas?

 

Hi Randyros...is there any signs under the base that it could have screwed onto something?

 

nope, none at all.

 

I asked because my mum has got one almost the same but without the 'wand'.It was passed down to her from her grandfather and was part of the brasses that fixed to the harness of one of thier shire horses when used for shows...i could be barking totally up the wrong tree but it looks so familiar...will see if i can't get a pic of it...

 

nice idea, but this stands alone and its more of a drumstick to tap the balls with, than a wand.

 

I have just been looking at horse brasses on www,and yes i think i was barking up the wrong tree! but it is similar...sorry thought i'd got it sussed...
I'm sure someone on here will have more of an idea...good luck....

 

Is it some sort of a game? Does the ball thing on the left do anything?

 

Do they all play the same note?

 

A dinner gong maybe ???????

 

I think its for "annunciation" for example "dinner is served"

Have you never wondered why some pubs are called "the six bells?" its because they had one of these, and six bells means food (and drink)

 

the ball thing on the left is actually a drumstick that you take off and tap the bells with. the bells make different sounds.

 

It is from Hi De Hi
Ding dong ding

Good morning Campers

Perhaps Dai can throw more light on it aye aye diu diu

Jack McHammocklashing

 

Something in the back of my mind is telling me it has religious connections, to do with Jewish prayer perhaps. I'm probably completely wrong though!

 

Judging from the drumstick which looks lacqued red and from the fact that the bells make a different sound, I would imagine perhaps an Asian percussion instrument.

 

omg its not just me then? I look at it and think Jewish. weird, as far as I know, both his grandparents were christian.