Baby Rattle, 1720-1730
Add to SetSummary
Eighteenth-century parents viewed teething as a potentially dangerous time for their baby -- difficulties in cutting teeth, many believed, could lead to disease or even death. Coral and bells proved a useful toy to ease parent's fears. The whistle and bells provided noisy entertainment, while the hard coral teething surface eased the child's pain and helped ward off perceived dangers.
Eighteenth-century parents viewed teething as a potentially dangerous time for their baby -- difficulties in cutting teeth, many believed, could lead to disease or even death. Coral and bells proved a useful toy to ease parent's fears. The whistle and bells provided noisy entertainment, while the hard coral teething surface eased the child's pain and helped ward off perceived dangers.
Artifact
Baby rattle
Date Made
1720-1730
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
62.73.3
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Silver (Metal)
Coral (Material)
Dimensions
Height: 4 in
Width: 1.25 in
Length: 5 in
Inscriptions
stamped, over a fleur de lis in a heart, near teething ring: SV
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