George III Silver Stork Ribbon Threaders

These are a very rare pair of Georgian silver ribbon threaders in the form of a stork.

These tong-like threaders can stand upright on the four claws attached to one of the finger rings and a baby wrapped in swaddling is hidden inside the tummy of the bird. The underside of the foot is clearly marked "IW" for the London maker John Whittingham - this was at a time when small items of silver did not require full sets of hallmarks and the lack of a duty mark points to a date pre-1784.

These ribbon threaders have a good feel in the hand and are of sturdy construction. They remain in excellent condition with neither damage nor repair.

The recognised use for these implements is ribbon threading, however an alternative for tying up the umbilical cord after birth has been suggested.