Topic: Mystery Bell / candle snuffer?

[Ashley]

Hi - can anyone tell me what this piece of glass is which I found recently. It is bell shaped but the bell bit is shallower than a normal bell and there is no indication that there has ever been a clapper attached. It seems to be hand blown and to have some age to it, 19th century?. The base where it sits is ground and rough to the touch. Its a dark turquoise colour. Could it be to snuff out a candle? Its 4 inches high and diameter 3.5 inches. Many thanks, Ashley

[Lustrousstone]

I think it's a bell with the bottom cut off from the poor quality base finish.

[Ashley]

Thanks Christine - my first thought was bell but wouldn't there normally be some method of attaching the clapper? - I've had victorian cranberry glass bells before and from memory don't they have a hole through the middle bit inside for attaching the clapper? there's no sign of anything, its absolutely smooth inside the middle - also I'm not sure the shape is right - my photo doesn't do it justice but if its a bell been cut down it would have been a really wide bell at the base.

[Lustrousstone]

A clapper might have been stuck in with plaster of Paris. Some old bells have quite wide shoulders before going almost straight down until a gentle flare at the bottom, so if this was cut at the shoulder... Whatever it is, I think it's been cut down

[Paul S.]

am sure I had one of these in clear  -  is it not a Dartington type stirrup cup  -  don't see anyone going to all the trouble of cutting down a bell.

[Lustrousstone]

It has a very rough bottom rim that you really wouldn't want to drink from

[Paul S.]

I understand there are some fox hunting folk who don't mind a rough bottom - it looks like Dartington's Kingfisher  -  where's John, he might know if this is Dartington.            I've looked through the books but have to admit to not seeing this one.               This would have been for decoration only though, surely.

[Paul S.]

just had a vague memory ......    might these things be held in some form of frame and be used, cavity upward, for candles??

[essi]

My guess is, if it is an old piece of glass I think it is used in preparation or smoothing of cloth or some heavier fabric.
Just a guess.
Tim

[Lustrousstone]

The top (handle) isn't big enough for smoothing with and you wouldn't be able to hold it at the "bell" end and if was used the other way round that nasty coarse grinding would have worn away