Please Ring Me

The wonderfully atmospheric school bell dating to around 1900, with a darkly patinated bronze rich metal body, its original turned wooden handle worn smooth by countless hands, and the rather irresistible invitation 'PLEASE RING ME' painted in white around its circumference at a slightly later date; an innocent enough request, one might suppose, although there is something faintly ominous about an object that appears quite so determined to be heard.

In wonderfully untouched, timeworn condition, with the scars, scratches and accumulated patination of more than a century's service. The wooden handle bears considerable evidence of use, whilst the original internal clapper remains suspended from its chain, awaiting the next summons.

The painted lettering, now itself delightfully aged, only adds to its peculiar charm. One can imagine this bell once calling generations of reluctant children to their lessons, its familiar toll marking the passing of countless ordinary days. But schools have a habit of retaining their ghosts, and one wonders whether every pupil who answered its call has quite managed to leave. The inscription, of course, presents something of a dilemma. For who, exactly, is asking to be summoned? And more importantly, who might answer?

A marvellously evocative little curiosity, possessing just the right combination of innocence, mischief and mild malevolence. Perfectly harmless, almost certainly. Although should it ring of its own accord, we would strongly advise against investigating.

A School Bell with an invitation best left unanswered.