Gilt Teether/Whistle, 1760

This is a wonderful quality silver gilt baby's toy dating from the Georgian period. It is a large piece with a coral teether to one end (coral was thought to have mystical qualities to keep evil away) and a whistle to the other. Around the central section are four children with outstretched arms, on some pieces these would have held bells for a rattle, but in this instance they are without and judging from the presence of all their fingers they have never been so adorned. The piece has a good chunky feel in the hand and is in fine condition (one tiny split by the whistle - see top left in final photo). There are no hallmarks, but the rattle will pre-date the introduction of duty marks in 1784 and is most likely to date from the middle of the 18th century. A fabulous quality and very rare piece.