Art of Play - Playing Cards, Puzzles and Amusements

Heart Beater

Heart Beater - Main image
$125.8 $185 In stock

Category: Sculptures & Statues

The Heart Beater is an alarming little machine that demands the attention of the ones you love. Essentially, it's a hand-cranked bell. A beautifully crafted, hand-cranked bell that's infused with a sense of poetic irony. Martin Smith is one of our favorite makers of kinetic objects. His creations combine mechanical elegance with a sense of humor. Smith's Applause Machine has been a favored item in our collection for years and we're very happy to offer Heart Beater because it's a great introductory piece for those unfamiliar with his work. Standing about six and a half inches high, this kinetic sculpture is crafted from brass and steel. Crank the handle and a bright bell sounds each time the striker hits the heart. Think of it as an amorous analog alarm. Only time may tell what it will signify in your household... Each Heart Beater is numbered and manufactured by Martin Smith Studios in the UK.

Customer Reviews (4.6 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Henry D. ★★★★★

Cranked it once during a boring Sunday afternoon and my partner actually looked up from their phone mid-scroll to ask what that sound was. The wooden handle turns so smoothly, it feels like a tiny piece of craftsmanship rather than a toy. It’s oddly satisfying how the bell cuts through silence witho

Madison X. ★★★★★

My kids hear that crank and come running from anywhere in the house—it’s become our dinner bell. The brass finish is heavier and more polished than I expected for the price, and the clapper has a deep, warm ring that cuts through noise without being harsh.

Robert R. ★★★★★

The crank mechanism has a satisfying, weighty resistance that makes the chime ring out with real presence, not the tinny rattle I half-expected. It's small enough to sit on my desk, and honestly, the way the bell demands attention is weirdly endearing.