Bell Diameter: 20 cm Strap Length: 38 cm x 2 - approximate only
A large brass souvenir cowbell with a black leather strap. The bell has a moulded pattern of flowers around the top and middle sections with gold metal banding at top and lower sections. The word bell says "1985 / JODLERCLUB EDELWEISS WINDERTHUR" on a band along the bottom. At the back of the bell in an oval, it says "ETRO / Rorschacherberg E. Thoma". On the inside of the bell there is an oval stamped into the top that says "GUSSET UETENDORF Giesserei" (bell foundry). The bell is attached to a thick black leather strap which forms a large loop across the top. The strap has a multi-coloured fringe on both sides and on the front of the strap there is a gold metal relief of a man with a dog, a cow and a star pattern both with a red background. Yellow stitching along the edges of the strap. Below are two gold coloured cross bars resembling a cow's yoke. Below at the end of the strap is a semi circular metal medallion with stamped village scene with a man and a cow. At the back of the strap there is a cold relief of two men in front of mountains with a dog.
This large cowbell and decorative leather strap from Uetendorf, Switzerland was likely made as a souvenir. The importance of the cowbell is highlighted in Swiss folklore where a great trychel, or large cow bell, was a rare and much-coveted item.
