George II Coral Teething Stick
- Item No.
Print Page
Item Details
- Period:
18th Century - Origin:
England/Ireland
This wonderful 18th-century George II-period teething stick is comprised of a well-preserved piece of coral. Set in an elegant 14K gold handle, this teether can be attached to a chain or ribbon to be kept within easy reach.
Coral appears in many legends and stories of folklore, and has been connected with the growth of human teeth because of the way it hardens when taken from the water. This attribute, along with the belief that coral warded off evil and had curative powers, led to the material's use as a teething aid. The practice is believed to have begun with the Egyptians, who used coral teething rings inscribed with the head of the dwarf god Bes, who was associated with child welfare. Other substances, such a wax candles, cool silver spoons (hence the term "born with a silver spoon in one's mouth") and even candy sticks, were used to soothe sore gums throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, and coral was eventually replaced by ivory (and later mother of pearl) as superstitions faded and medical knowledge advanced.
Features small mark
Circa 1730
4" length
Coral appears in many legends and stories of folklore, and has been connected with the growth of human teeth because of the way it hardens when taken from the water. This attribute, along with the belief that coral warded off evil and had curative powers, led to the material's use as a teething aid. The practice is believed to have begun with the Egyptians, who used coral teething rings inscribed with the head of the dwarf god Bes, who was associated with child welfare. Other substances, such a wax candles, cool silver spoons (hence the term "born with a silver spoon in one's mouth") and even candy sticks, were used to soothe sore gums throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, and coral was eventually replaced by ivory (and later mother of pearl) as superstitions faded and medical knowledge advanced.
Features small mark
Circa 1730
4" length
