Baby Rattle, about 1760-1780

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.