Presented in this lot is a Rare 19th Century Silver-Plated Brass Penny-Farthing Desk Bell, circa 1880s. Provenance: Tombstone Western Heritage Museum, Tombstone, Arizona. The penny-farthing, also known as a high wheel, high wheeler or ordinary, was an innovative early type but dangerous bicycle popular in the 1870s and 1880s, known for its large front wheel, small rear wheel, direct-drive pedals, and ability to achieve high speeds for its era. Named for the large coin (penny) and small coin (farthing) in British currency. Although the trend was short-lived, the penny-farthing became a symbol of the late Victorian era. Its popularity also coincided with the birth of cycling as a sport. The penny-farthing desk / dinner bell has manufacturer hallmarks including the "sovereign head" duty mark certifying the payment of duty. The WMF company in Germany (Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik) was involved in silver plating in the 19th century. In 1892 a special technique for silver plating cutlery was developed, known as Perfect Hard Silver plating, a process which remains exclusive to WMF. This penny-farthing bell does not have the ringer, the silverplate finish features patina throughout, base underside has green baize. Tombstone Western Heritage Museum attached label, "SILVER DINNER BELL", museum code, "HW-11". Measures 3"W x 6.375"L6.75"H, weight is 2lb.