Hester Bateman Rattle, 1775

This is a large example of a silver coral & bells made by the important lady silversmith, Hester Bateman. The long teether stick is made of coral to soothe aching gums and also to ward away evil spirits. There are two tiers of jangly bells and a whistle. The whistle is a very slightly chewed from use and there is a tiny split by the blow hole (see photo). This baby's rattle has survived remarkably well considering its primary purpose, with no repairs and a clear example of one of Hester Bateman's early makers marks to the whistle end,