smoke bell, unknown maker from the United States

Archive label, date unknown:
Smoke bells were a necessity for the Victorian home-maker. Combustion-oriented lighting devices, such as whale oil lamps, produced large amounts of soot which soiled ceilings and walls. This unsightly dirt could be contained by the smoke bell. The bell was hung above the lamp to corral the smoke before it was able to dirty other surfaces. Engraved, cut or etched bells, like this one, were often designed to match lamps, creating a decorative ensemble.