Infant Rattle

Period1832 - 1858

Place MadeBirmingham, England

MediumSilver, coral

Dimensions5.38 × 2 × 2 in. (13.7 × 5.1 × 5.1 cm)

SignedThe rattle includes the hallmark of silversmith George Unite (1798 - 1896) "GU" in an oval stamped below the whistle lip, and early silverplate marks including an anchor stamped along the lower socket rim.

ClassificationsToys & Games

Credit LineMuseum Collection

Object number2020.513

DescriptionAn infant's combination rattle, whistle, and teether toy in silverplate. The toy includes a small whistle at top, six tiny bells attached to the main spherical portion of the rattle, and a red coral teething stick fastened in the lower socket portion of the rattle. A sturdy ring is attached to the rattle just below the whistle, for a string or ribbon to hang around a baby's neck or from a cradle or crib.
Curatorial RemarksBaby rattles have been discovered in archaeological sites dating back almost three thousand years. Found in almost every culture and made of everything from clay to silver, baby rattles had and still have the same aim - to soothe and amuse their tiny owners. Silver baby rattles were quite popular in Europe and America from the early 18th century onwards, often given as birth or christening gifts. Many rattles incorporated coral as teething sticks. The coral was cool and soothing to sore gums, and the material itself was thought to have protective properties against sickness and death. This particular rattle combines a whistle, six little bells, and a teething stick. Made by English silversmith George Unite in the early 19th century, this type of rattle was produced by numerous silversmiths on both sides of the Atlantic.NotesSilversmith George Unite was bornin Birmingham in 1798. In 1810, at the age of twelve, Unite became an apprentice of silversmith Joseph Willmore. By 1825, Unite partnered with James Hillyard. In 1832, Unite registered his own mark "GU" and ran his own firm located in Caroline Street in Birmingham. In 1865, Unite's sons George, Samuel and Edward all worked as jewellers and silversmiths and the firm's name changed to George Unite & Sons. George Unite died in 1896 at the age of 98. The firm merged with the silverplating company of William Henry Lyde in 1898, forming "George Unite Sons & Ltd."

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