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Annick van Itallie

Agate antique butler bell, push bell, servant bell, ca 1880-1900
exclusieve gemstone agate butler bell with push button, inc cord wire
used by aristocratic families to call the servant

ca 6 x 4,5 x 3 cm
excellent condition


Servants, butlers and housekeepers played a crucial role in the day-to-day running of the upperclass household during the time of manufacturing these bells. These employees were responsible for many work tasks, such as heating, cooking, washing, fetching and carrying - a lot of exercise in the house and a lot of work.

In order to communicate efficiently with domestic workers, internal bell systems became very popular when they were invented in 1744. Before this invention, servants had to wait outside their employer's rooms or linger modestly in the background of the family quarters, waiting for orders. This was considered intrusive and inefficient. The innovative call systems therefore increased privacy and allowed attendants to remain in their room while waiting to be called. This new facility became a standard in this era.

careful packaging, insured shipping

U.K. - 1900-1949 - Agate

Butler bell

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Home Inspiration

This object is no longer available, but there’s still lots to explore

Butler bell

Popular in Home Inspiration

1022 objects

Related collections