Bell 1738 - 1750

This silver bell was made by Abraham Drentwett IV, an Augsburg craftsman active in the 18th century. The bell form itself likely began as a sheet of silver, hammered and shaped to produce its distinctive fluted form. Notice the decorative flourishes around the base, which add visual interest to the object. These details were meticulously engraved by hand, calling attention to the artisan’s skill. But it is important to consider this object as a product of the early modern European economy. Silver mining and trade were complex, often exploitative systems, and the creation of luxury goods like this bell depended on a global network of resource extraction and manufacturing. Recognizing the immense labor, technical skill, and material sourcing involved reminds us that even small, seemingly simple objects have complex social and economic histories embedded within them.