Period: 1888

Material: Silver and blood coral

Origin: England

Dimensions:
Length: 12 cm
Width: 5 cm

Silver rattles have been popular in England since the 18th century.
They were often presented as luxurious christening gifts, crafted in the distinctive English style, with decorations, bells, blood coral and a whistle.

This piece dates from around 1888 and bears Birmingham silver hallmarks. It consists of a whistle, a piece of blood coral to bite on, and nine bells. In addition to serving as a teething toy and rattle, the coral and bells were believed to ward off spells and diseases.