A very rare and beautifully made animalier bronze and bell metal hand bell signed Fratin ( for Christophe Fratin born Metz 1801 died 1864) an enormously famous and influential animalier sculptor. His work was often very unusual and idiosyncratic. The bell cast with bell metal inside a sheath of gilt bronze outside. Surmounted by a standing mare and its foal. Around the upper edge of the bell with swags of flowers hanging between the heads of cattle and sheep all in high releaf. Lower down there is a horse race in fact a national hunt with jumps as a rider can clearly be seen falling from his mount. Seven horses and riders in all, with a finish line. Beautifully cast and the bell with a very fine clear ring. 3.5 inches high by diameter of 2.5 inches ( 8.75 cms by 6.25cms). French late 19th century.