Gilt Rattle with Provenance, 1795

One of the finest Georgian rattle we have encountered with the additional benefits of its' original case and two sheets of paper documenting its' provenance. The rattle is gilt all over with a pretty engraved design and two tiers of jangly bells. At one end is a whistle and retainer ring whilst at the other is the coral teether which had the dual purpose of soothing sore gums and warding of evil spirits. The original case has kept the rattle in superb condition.

A particularly interesting feature of this rattle are the two paper slips providing a provenance. The first states: "My coral: the gift of my Godmother the late Viscountess Torrington. 1796" signed "AC". The second states: "To Zara Deuchar with much love from her Grand (God) ma. AC. Ganes Hill Montrose, Xmas 1908." There would perhaps have been a missing link in the mid-19th C between the gifting of this rattle within the family.

The Viscountess Torrington was most likely Elizabeth Langmead who was the wife of John Byng, 5th Viscount Torrington (1743 - 1813); he was one of the most notable diarists of the 18th century.