Presented here an antique baby rattle made in sterling silver & ivory. As seen at the pictures, the sterling silver part is  a medalion depicting the equestrian figure of the saint SANTIAGO MATAMOROS, who is killing a moorish invader, who appears laying in the floor, under Santiago's horse. It is well known that the ivory ring is suposed to calm the little childs gums. There are a total of  five (5) sterling silver bells (one of the is round shaped), two are hanging from both sides of the medalion and the other three hang from the piece which attach to the ivory ring ( see pics, please).
 
MEASURES: the ivory ring measures 64.50mm diameter. The sterling silver medalion 37 X 44mm approx.
 
ESTIMATED AGE: circa 1790
 
GENERAL CONDITIONS: very good general conditions considering its age, no missing or broken parts,  please refer to the pictures.
 
 
A BIT OF HISTORY...
 
Histories suggest that the invention of the baby rattle dates back to at least 2,500 years. One of the earliest examples of a baby rattle was uncovered in a grave of a baby from the Iron Age in Poland. The rattle was found right next to the urn containing the cremated remains of the baby. This particular rattle is a pillow-shaped rattle made from clay and was filled with little balls.
It’s also believed that some cultures use rattles to ward off evil spirits. Tiny figurines which might have been used as rattles were found on the northwest shore of Lake Itkul in the Minusinsk basin of Russia. Some of these rattles were made from deer antlers and have hollow cavities that produce sounds. These toys might have been attached to something similar to a cradle and were used to protect little children from evil spirits which were prevalent during this period.
The Greco-Roman civilization also had toys that were similar to modern baby rattles. These baby rattles were unearthed from Greco-Roman archeological sites and came in a form of either a pig or a bear. Some of these toys even feature a baby riding one of these animals.
Many scholars believe that rattles were more than just toys in the ancient times. They were objects used during rituals and offerings to appease gods and ward off evil spirits. People in the ancient world could have believed that these toys would protect their children in life and death which is why rattles are buried next to their owners.
During the Industrial Age and colonial America, elaborate baby rattles made by artisans were pretty popular. These rattles were made from gold and silver and sometimes come with a teething device made of coral. Adornments like bells and whistles were added to these rattles.