Here we have a Decorated Brass Sanctuary Bell.
 
This is a really beautiful little thing and would make a gorgeous ornament for any home but this would have traditionally been used during the consecration of the host at Mass.
 
The upper side of the bell is designed with scrolls and the lower part with four animals. In the middle is the Latin inscriptions AQVILA X AGNVS X PELICANVS X LEO which mean aquila (eagle), agnus (lamb), pelicanus (pelican) and leo (lion).The meaning in the christian context is: Aquila – The Eagle of St. John. Because St. John stresses the heavenly nature of our Lord, the eagle is used. On its powerful wings, the eagle soars high toward heaven. In the same way, John soared in the spirit upward toward the heaven of heavens to contemplate the divine nature of Christ and bring back to earth revelations of sublime and awful mysteries. Agnus – The Lamb. This denotes the supreme sacrifice of the Lord. Pelicanus – The Pelican. This is the symbol of the atonement; according to legend, the pelican pierces its own breast to feed its young therefore giving its life blood to save its own. The blood of Christ was shed for all people for the remission of their sins. Leo – the Lion, symbolising St. Mark, representing the kingly nature of our Lord, the lion being the king of beasts.
 
Unfortunately missing the little ball that would make the bell ring, but there is a hole for you to add one should you wish. Alternatively, hang from some velvet ribbon as a pretty decorative piece.
 
Measuring 6cm high and 5.5cm in diameter.