1850s Obertino French Cast Bronze Goat Bell and Collar

This 19th C cast bronze cow bell from the Jura mountains in eastern France is marked by the name of the foundry Obertino C. Fondeur L’abergement Saint Marie established in 1834. Decorated with religious symbols, flowers, and a cow, this piece once hung around the neck of a goat to alert the dairyman of her location in the mountains. It also bears a beautiful ringing sound, circa 1850. The leather collar has a wonderful soft patina.