VIRTUAL HANDBELL MUSEUM 

Malmark, Schulmerich, Taylor, and Whitechapel.... familiar names in the handbell world. But, have you ever heard of the Dunn or Shaw foundries?  How about Jenco or Tru-Sonic?  

Many companies have manufactured handbells and by sifting through old catalogs, and talking to collectors, repairmen and foundries, I've found quite a few.  There is evidence of handbell foundries dating back to the late 1600's, with at least 12 or so in operation between 1850 to 1920.  William Butler’s new book lists even more.  Some were in business for a quick minute, while others endure to this day.  

Descriptions:

At first glance all these bells look much the same and are easily mistaken for old Whitechapels.  Upon closer inspection you will see subtle differences.  Keep in mind foundries didn't always sign or number bells and old parts such as felts and leathers might have been replaced over the ages.  Springs, clappers and leather tooling might be different on bells from the same foundry, as improvements or stylistic changes were made.  Owners may have modified bells also.  The Shaw bells I purchased from a schoolteacher’s estate have very short clapper flights.  One could easily assume this is an identifying trait of those foundries.  Further examination revealed marks, indicating the previous owner filed the flights down.  

(NOTE:  These are descriptions of actual bells from private collections.  Since these collectors usually do not have samples spanning all the years of production from one particular foundry, they are intended as a guide only.)

Visit Malmark, Schulmerich, Taylor or Whitechapel for illustrations of their clapper mechanisms.