Bells have been used to ornament horses since ca. 800 B.C.E. It was believed that the bells attracted good luck and acted as a charm protecting against disease, injury and evil. Fancy brass bells also provided an opportunity to show off wealth and social status. The practical use of bells on horses, wagons and sleighs is to warn pedestrians and other drivers of on-coming traffic. Vendors also belled their horses to alert customers of their arrival. These sleigh bells are graduated series of brass bells riveted to a thick leather strap. The six bells measure 3 inches, 3 ½ inches and 5 inches in diameter. The bells are Swedish (Swiss or Norwegian) types of bells. These bells were made in the U.S. for export to Scandinavia. Swedish bells measure 2 1/2 inches or larger in diameter and have slits cut into the brass giving the face of the bell its distinct pie wedge appearance.