After creating several contemporary designs styled after Mission Bells, the natural vein of creativity was flowing towards a modern Southwest-inspired rustic theme. And thus the Frontier Mission Bells™ were born!
A bit of history:
Early missions at their founding were to have two bells, one presumably for devotions and the other for the day's routine, but all missions in time had as many as eight. The later bells were obtained in trade by way of American ships from Lima, Mexico, Boston, and Russian sources.
Due to lack of funds, most small villages had to make their own bells. In the 19th century, several bell casters traveled around New Mexico making them on the spot.
The villagers collected all their copper pots, pans, cups and plates, and these were melted down in a huge kettle. Because a bell composed entirely of copper had a dull ring, the villagers often threw some of their gold and silver jewelry into the mix.
Locally made bells were crudely cast in a sand mold in the ground. Fine bells imported from Spain or Mexico often had a saint’s name and a date included on their outer surfaces as part of the original casting.
Our rustic bells are not cast as in the old days, but instead they are made from repurposed materials and high quality steel that we patina to create the beautiful rustic finish.
Each of our mission bells is individually handcrafted in Virginia applying time-honored American Craftsman techniques and are a gorgeous addition to any home, deck, patio, greenhouse, or garden. It makes a perfect gift for a anyone that enjoys creating their own unique outdoor environment.
We have really enjoyed creating these unique designs using the Southwestern inspiration of the early days. This design is called the "San Lorenzo".
If you have an idea for a unique design that would be a great addition to this collection, reach out to us! We love hearing from our customers.
~ Marc