A George II / III silver gilt baby’s rattle, London circa 1760 by B.B probably Benjamin Bickerton (free. 6th Oct 1756)

With embossed decoration of flower heads and gadrooning, knopped sections with six bells suspended. Whistle section with coral teether, a suspension loop. Engraved with initials to whistle section AME in cursive script. Makers mark only to whistle section.

Length – 13.2 cm / 5.25 inches

Bickerton is likely to have registered a mark after becoming free which would be in the now lost 1739-58 smallworkers register. Bickerton later registered a mark on 31^st March 1762, with seven successive marks.