Baby Rattle, about 1785

Description:: Coral and bells were rattles, whistles and teethers for fairly well to do babies in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century. It is also plausible that some were used in the country in the seventeenth century as they are depicted in European paintings from that era.Silversmiths produced these for purchase in gold and more commonly in silver. The coral could be replaced if it was broken or got too gummy.The coral is an essential part of this piece.It is smooth and cool for teething . Coral was believed to be a good luck charm for newborns. Many babies were, and in Italy still are, given reddish orange coral necklaces or trinkets upon their birth as the color is said to reflect the cheeks of a healthy baby.
Date Issued:: [1750 TO 1825]
Data Provider:: Wayne State University. Libraries and The Henry Ford
Collection:: Digital Dress Collection
Place:: United States
Subject Topic:: Rattles, Jewelry, Boys, Girls, Infants, and Children
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_55_100_8