Baby's rattle, coral and silver, made by Gervaise Wheeler, Birmingham, 1857

Description

A rattle, belonging to William Woodwell Chislett, born in Swansea in the second half of the 19th century. Fashioned by a Birmingham silversmith, this was a typical toy for a baby born to a wealthy family. The coral branch served as a teether and a handle for the rattle. The rattle had several small silver bells attached, created a pleasing sound when shaken.

Coral was chosen as a suitable teething material as it could not be chewed into pieces and therefore constitute a choking hazard; it was smooth and easily wiped clean; and it was cool to the touch, giving relief to the inflamed gums of a teething toddler. Such was the popularity of this combination of materials that these items were often referred to as 'coral and bells'. In other parts of the world, babies were often given coral bead necklaces to chew.