Fireman's "muffin" bells originated as a variation of handbells during the Victorian era, spanning the early to late 1800s. While they were used for various purposes during this time, including by merchants, they were also used by fire watches to sound the alarm for a fire.

Distinctive sound: The muffin bell is made of two slightly offset brass halves. The internal clapper strikes these halves sequentially, creating a unique two-tone ring that was easily distinguishable from other bells.