18th Century Baby's Whistle/ Rattle in Gold Filigree

A Late 18th Century Gold Filigree Rattle/ Whistle

with Inset Ruby Eyes.

Nicholas Swalue.

Manufactured by goldsmith: Nicholas Swalue.

I presume marked (this needs confirmation).

Leeuwarden. Netherlands.

 1778.

height 9.5 cm × length 13.0 cms.

Acquired Dec.1961.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

http://hdl.handle.net/10934/RM0001.COLLECT.18263

A very interesting and unusual piece - gold is not often used in filigree. I suspect that it was a Royal commission and that the lion represents the Netherlands.

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https://sanderusmaps.com/our-catalogue/antique-maps/curiosities-and-portraits/old-antique-map-in-the-shape-of-a-lion-leo-belgicus-by-hendrik-floris-van-langren-cornelis-claesz-11609

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