Sunday, March 9, 2014

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. 



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