handbell 1757

This silver handbell, crafted by Dutch silversmith Jan Diederik Pont in 1757, features an ornate design. The bell's body is adorned with engraved floral motifs, while its handle is shaped like a stylized human figure. The bell's small size and intricate details suggest it was likely a decorative item rather than a functional one, possibly used as a table bell or a part of a larger decorative ensemble. Handbells, like this example, were popular in 18th-century Europe as a symbol of status and refined taste.