Baby Rattle, about 1760-1780

Description:: Coral and bells was the common name for a baby rattle and teether-the bells made noise as the baby sucked on the coral and blew through the whistle.Coral was a cool, hard substance that felt good against teething gums; silversmiths kept a stock of gold and silver findings as well as coral to replace parts that were damaged.Many were made of silver and coral, probably fewer made in gold.Engraved initials indicate this may well have been a baby gift and those are the baby's initals.
Date Issued:: [1735 TO 1770]
Data Provider:: Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
Collection:: Digital Dress Collection
Place:: United States
Subject Topic:: Rattles, Jewelry, Infants, Children, Pacifiers (Infant Care), and Whistles
Format:: clothing
Rights:: Images are copyright The Henry Ford. Web versions may be used for reference purposes only. If you would like a higher quality image please contact the Benson Ford Research Center.
URL:: http://digital.library.wayne.edu/item/wayne:EM02_67_100_1