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This child's coral and bells is constructed from silver in a baluster shape, decorated with elaborately chased scrolls and roses, and hung at the "waist" with four silver bells (two are missing) suspened from small triangular tabs, each decorated with a petaled flower. For the child's amusement the top of the silver toy is made into a whistle. So the child did not lose it, a silver ring - set just below the whistle - would hold the toy on a silk ribbon around the child's neck or waist. The coral handle and silver end cap are both missing. Elizabeth Gilbert holds her coral and bells in a miniature portrait of her done in 1839 -- accession number 1932.224
toys by function
silver (metal)
coral (material)
silver and silver alloy
coral (material)
Rattle, Baby
"Mementos: Jewelry of Life and Love from Historic New England": Elizabeth Gilbert's parents commissioned a portrait of her holding her silver and coral rattle in 1839 when she was only ten months old.
Unknown
American (use)
Gift of Miss Grace Gilbert
1932.225
Title Brooch with miniature portrait of E. W. Gilbert Accession Number 1932.224
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