Baby Rattle

18th century

Open cage formed of eight silver filigree straps featuring delicate scroll and leaf motifs on each, straps attached to ball above, which rotates and slides up and down central post; attached to base of cage is circular, filigree frame, beneath which hang 6 bells on links (five bells are unadorned; a sixth, which is evidently a replacement, features leaf motifs); 6 structural spokes extend inward from links to ring attached to central post; small domed disc with filigree work situated above cage, which also rotates and slides up and down post; stationary ball near bottom of post prevents cage from sliding further down; attached to fixed ball and post is a flat pearl handle with incised star on front and reverse.