AN AMERICAN SILVER CHILD'S WHISTLE AND BELLS, PAUL REVERE II, CIRCA 1770

of typical form with fittings for eight silver bells and coral teething stick, engraved M.I in block letters, Iackson in script on mouth piece

Jonathan Trace, January 1996

one bell missing , one bracket with split; another resoldered, top slightly crushed. This is typical for any child's rattle that has been used.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Revere's accounts include charging for "a silver child's Wisel, corral" and making "8 bells for a Wisel."  One example is in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (Buhler 1972, no. 419), and there is a reference there to another, then in the collection of the Paul Revere Insurance Company.