European or American, Late 19th to early 20th century, Sterling silver

Gift of Maria Mace

This sterling silver dinner bell was donated to the Fleming Museum in 1938 by Maria Mace of Rutland, VT. Dinner bells were commonly used in the early twentieth century to signify the start of a meal. Bells became a practical solution for farm families that worked outside, but the small design of this piece indicates that the family was being called from inside the house. This bell features intricate details and a personalized monogram, suggesting that it was likely used by an upper-class European American family, like the Mace’s.