c19th Magical Bell Pendant

Rare miniature silver bell pendant with magical inscription attributed to Castellani c.1870.

The bell is engraved with a two-line Greek inscription divided between each face, the lines ending in palmettes. The  inscription TOI COM MAC IN YWO TET AG MA translates as ‘I am enslaved by your eyes’.

The bell is an exact replica of an original artefact discovered in the excavations on Mount Esqualine in Rome in 1873 which was purchased by Allesandro Castellani to add to his extensive collection of Antiquities. The bell was exhibited and replicas were made in gold and silver by Castellan as well as by his contemporaries. 
The original bell was officially sold in the May 1884 Paris auction of Alessandro Castellani’s effects (Castellani 1884, p. 15, no. 129). Its current location or existence is unknown. For similar gold bell see the British Museum example  (Room 47 - Europe 1800-1900, Display Case 11).

2.7 cms high. Bottom of bell 1.3 cms wide.

2.7 grams.

The clapper inside the bell has the original cotton muffle.