Bells of Sarna

Q: I purchased 100 pounds of miniature bells. Most are Bells of Sarna from India and but some are from other countries. They are all from the 1940s and ’50s. It appears the man who owned them had a bell tree and when people came to visit on Christmas they brought a bell. Most of the bells are dated. Where can I find out about these ?

A: Bells of Sarna is a brand name used by a company founded by Sajan Singh Sarna in Manhasset, New York. He imported goods from India and sold them to dealers in the United States. Sarna began importing bells in 1938. The bells were often sold on thin ropes or chains and came with a tag that gave the story behind the bell. Sarna bells sell online for a variety of prices. Recent prices include a set of five different Sarna bells, two with story tags but not strung, $32; five brass Sarna bells on a rope, $12; and a string of four brass bells on a braided rope for $37.