Hester Bateman Rattle, c1780

A fabulous late 18th century child's rattle made by the most famous maker of the period - Hester Bateman. This rattle combines a coral handle/teether, 2 tiers of jangly bells and a whistle. The whistle is in working order and the original coral is full length. Typically for the period, the rattle bears a maker's mark only to the reverse side of the whistle. Excellent quality and condition with none of the repairs that one typically finds with Georgian rattles.

The presence of a coral teether was dual purpose: for soothing aching teeth and for spiritual properties said to ward away evil.