Details

COLEM:1955.2107

Colchester Collections

rattle, child's rattle

Child's rattle. 1700-1800. Silver baby rattles with their elaborated chased and repoussé ornament are known in England since the beginning of the 18th century, as they were often given as a lavish christening gift. This baby rattle is made in the typical English style, consisting of a whistle, small jingle bells, and a piece of red teething coral. Aside from being a teething device, the coral was supposed to have magical qualities, and along with the whistle and bells, the rattle would ward off enchantment and disease.Examined by Ana Sofia Silver of the Royal College of Music as part of the MINIM-UK project to catalogue musical instruments in UK museum collections. (www.minim.ac.uk)

1700 - 1800

Georgian

metal, metal, coral

length: 5.00 inches

On Display - Hollytrees Museum, Colchester