Handbell without clapper - Note G Octave 6 Pattern 4

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Type: Musical instruments
Date: 1910
Place: London, England; Geelong, Victoria, Australia
Materials: Felted cloth - non specific, Leather, Metal - non specific
Collection: Jennifer Anne Murphy collection
Accession number: 2012.0005.0051

Description

A tuned handbell without a clapper cast in bell metal with a looped leather hand strap. The letter 'G' is stamped on the top of the handle. There are circular and clover-like patterns stamped onto the leather cap

About the collection

The Jennifer Anne Murphy collection consists of handbells that belonged to the Lynch family bellringers, miscellaneous spare bell parts, and a publicity poster. The Whitechapel Bell Foundry of London manufactured the handbells in 1910 and they remain in good condition. FW Niven & Co. of Melbourne printed the poster c.1915-1917. It features photographs of the Lynch family and their guest performers and is in a good condition. The Lynch family were travelling entertainers from Geelong, Victoria, who played handbells and organ chimes as part of their variety act, which also featured comedy routines, dancing, singing and piano recitals. They were the first family of bellringers to become household names in Australia, and they achieved great fame overseas touring in New Zealand, India, China and Japan. Developments in transport allowed them to reach diverse audiences. The family's impressive career of 72 years ended during the economic depression of the 1930s. The vaudeville performances of Australian troupes, such as the Lynch family, are an example of Australian popular culture and entertainment from the late 19th century to the interwar period.

Read live from the Museum's Collection API (12/11/2026, 6:20:28 am). Record last updated by the Museum 2025-02-19. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/.