Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Gifts of Grandeur: The Montague Coral Rattle and Whistle, 1811-12

The Victoria & Albert Museum


Made for presentation to an aristocratic child, this object is a combination rattle and whistle of colored gold with a coral handle. The maker's mark is that of John Ray & James Montague, with London hallmarks for 1811-12

Since coral and gold are both relatively soft, the remarkable condition of this interesting antique proves that it was never played with by a child. It has no tell-tale tooth-marks to mar its beautiful surface.


No comments: