For many people, the melodic, rhythmic ringing of sleigh bells brings along inescapable images of winter and snowfall and the smell of Christmas, but were you aware that it goes much deeper than that? Sleigh bells have been with us for a very long time, and though we might be most accustomed to them in picturesque depictions a Victorian horse and carriage traveling through the snow, they actually go back quite a ways earlier!
Though today we'll find them everywhere, the bells that we know as sleigh bells were once only used for horses. Archaeologists have found similar bells in England, and the most early ones date back to when the Romans inhabited the northern lands. This means that these bells have been a part of the horse's harness for well over a thousand years. With this in mind, it can be thought that the bells were quite desirable, and they could be considered a sign of wealth and status.
You could also find single bells, extravagantly made of gold or silver, being used to decorate the warhorses during the Medieval age. These bells, called crotals, were definitely a sign of conspicuous consumption, and the ringing of these bells was thought to bring good luck and to ward off evil spirits and diseases.
It was not known when these ringing bells became common for wagons or sleighs, but it can be thought that the served both a decorative and a practical function. While of course everyone smiles to hear the cheerful ringing of sleighbells, they could also warn other people that there was a coach coming along the way, and on foggy nights, this could have saved lives. Sleighs can be difficult to stop without notice, and in many places, bells were required for the protection of those on the road.
During the nineteenth century, there was a fairly strong demand for sleigh bells, and they were mass produced in East Hampton, Connecticut. The bells that were made in this location were popular throughout the country, and these bells would adorn racing sleighs during competitions and the sleighs of people who just wanted to get around during the winter.
For many people, the first contact that they had with sleighbells was through the incredibly popular Christmas carol, known as "Jingle Bells," though originally, it's composer, James Pierpont called it "One Horse Open Sleigh." Written in the mid 1800's, this song is still sung at Christmas time and has been translated into many languages.
From ancient Roman times to the present, it is clear that sleigh bells hold a popular appeal, whether they are on a horse, or in our songs!
Ultimately there are several companies that distribute the brass sleigh bells. There are some companies that sell them at a reasonable and affordable price, or there are those companies in which an individual can purchase them directly through the company as well.
Brass sleigh bells can vary in size and weights and the designs they have are unique. The brass sleigh brass bells are made of the highest quality materials available. Of course many individuals think of the winter season, however for those times such as parades and other events the concept of brass sleigh bells are essential for the appearance of beauty.
For some types of the brass sleigh bells the attachments are often designed by using a unique style of leather strapping, although this isn't always the case. Improved and better development has provided for better attaching, which also offers a better and more clarified sound from the brass sleigh bells too.
These brass sleigh bells can also be in a variety of color; by using a special form of coloring the brass is not altered nor is the sound altered by any means. Now, there are other products being created in addition to the brass sleigh bells too.
For a bit of history about the brass sleigh bells some historians believe that the Amish first designed and created the original concept of the brass sleigh bells. From there other metal workers were essentially able to copy or duplicate the brass sleigh bells, although at first they weren't quite sure what material the bells were made from.
However, now with the use of technology individuals are able to view the brass sleigh bells, as well as learn more about them and the pricing via the Internet. There are essentially several web sites associated with them and the history behind the brass sleigh bells as well.
In addition, some of the newer designs of the solid brass sleigh bells are duplicating the original ones in the highest quality production possible. These original designs are affordable as well as reasonable to purchase.
Many individuals who have already purchased several types of the brass sleigh bells all agree that the cost is well worth it, and they love the product they receive.
Many different forums on web sites via the Internet offer individuals the ability to also post comments and feedback about the products, and these web sites also allow individuals to rank or rate the product too. On one site the survey listed these brass sleigh bells as being rated at four stars and above. This was also taking into consideration all of the several types of brass bells available and not simply the sleigh bells. The survey was a basic overall combination of the product and then divided into various groups.
Steven Beckerman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Real Estate, Scooter and Jewelry. Author collects Antique restrapped Brass Sleigh Bells and is an authority on the history of sle. Steven Beckerman's top article generates over 6600 views. Bookmark Steven Beckerman to your Favourites.