Child's rattle and teether

G.U.

1835–36

Not on view

This object functioned as a toy with a whistle and bells, as a teething device and as an amulet. The silver of the whistle and bells made it precious, while the coral was used for teething and was thought to ward off enchantment and disease. As a token of protection and prosperity whistle and bells were included in an eighteenth-century American portrait of Mrs. Jacob Hurd and child (see 64.114.2), as well as many Northern Renaissance paintings. This rattle may have belonged to the daughter of Duncan Phyfe, the New York cabinetmaker (1768–1854).

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Child's rattle and teether
Maker: G.U. (active Birmingham)
Date: 1835–36
Culture: British, Birmingham
Medium: Silver, coral
Dimensions: 5 3/8 × 1 3/4 in. (13.7 × 4.4 cm)
Classification: Metalwork-Silver In Combination
Credit Line: Purchase, Gifts in memory of Mrs. Thomas Clearwater, Leo D. Bretter Gift, Bequest of Adeline R. Brown, by exchange, Osceola Foundation, Inc. Gift, and Gifts of Dr. and Mrs. A.L. Garbat, Manya Garbat Starr and Julian A. Garbat, by exchange, 1978
Object Number: 1978.287
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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