Sterling Silver and Coral Rattle Whistle

About the Item

Exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver baby rattle and whistle has a bulbous shaped form. The surface of the tiered body is embellished with impressive embossed leaf decoration. The impressive antique silver rattle is fitted with seven articulated, functional bells attached intermittently around the bulbous body.(missing one bell). The sterling silver rattle/whistle retains the original, undulating coral handle; such examples retaining the original handle are becoming increasingly difficult to locate. The embossed body of this antique baby rattle incorporates a whistle, accessible from the opposing end to the coral handle. An example of this rattle can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art attributed to the daughter of Duncan Phyfe. Silver baby rattles are known in England since the beginning of the 18th century, but most extant examples date from c. 1760. Rattles with their elaborate chased and repoussé ornament were often given as a lavish christening gift. This baby rattle is made in the typical English style with elaborate ornament whistle, bells and coral. It consists of a whistle, a piece of teething coral, nine of the original ten bells, and a loop to hang the toy on a ribbon around the child's neck. Aside from being a teething device, the coral in the whistle and bells was thought to ward off enchantment and disease. Marked "H &T". Registered in 1832 and was used until 1945. Period: 1870s Origin: England Size: 4 3/4" L, 1.3 troy ounces. Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-of-a-kind pieces that define the history of America and the Old West. Our pieces range from American Indian to Cowboy Western and include original items of everyday life, commerce, art, and warfare that tamed America’s frontier. Our 14,000 square foot gallery opened in 1996 in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Personal Service Cisco’s operates on old fashioned values – honesty and integrity, and all of our items are backed by our money back guarantee. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source.

Dimensions:

Height: 4.75 in (12.07 cm)Width: 3 in (7.62 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Sterling Silver,Embossed

Place of Origin:

England

Period:

1870-1879

Date of Manufacture:

1870

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.