Crotal bells have been around since forever (well, at least since the 13th century).    It is every metal detectorist's dream to dig up a crotal bell, and hopefully have it all intact!

Crotal bells are reminiscent of sipping hot cocoa by a fire, horse-pulled sleigh rides, angels, and Santa.  Yet, most people don't know the real name of this bell (technically it is a rattle, but you can read about that in the links below if you wish).  If you called this bell a crotal bell to your friends, they would turn their heads in confusion.   But as soon as you say, "You know.  Jingle bells.), a smile would quickly appear on their faces.  

Crotal bells can be plain or they can have elaborate designs etched into them.  They can be golden, brass or white toned (and forget about painted in every color!).  

If you are lucky enough to dig up one of these bells, and after the excitement wears off, you may want to learn about the crotal bell, like: how old it is, where it was made, what it was used for, and how old it is (yup, I repeated that one).  

I found 3 good resources that will help you learn all about your find!  Please click on the links below and let your research begin:

• ​classicbells.com/info/DatingBells.asp Classic Bells is a great source of information. This link here goes directly to their dating bells information
• classicbells.com/info/bellMakers.asp This link is from the same Classic Bells website, but will open directly up to Makers of bells details
• www.ukdfd.co.uk/pages/crotal-bells.html Finally, if you think your bell may be made in England, check out the UK Detectors Finds Database website

HAPPY DETECTING!  I HOPE YOU SLEIGH YOUR RESEARCH! (yup, I thought it was funny)