item details
NamePresentation cradle with doll
ProductionFrank Grady Junior; silversmith; 1927; New Zealand
Classificationcradles, dolls
Materialssterling silver, gold, cloth
DimensionsOverall: 34mm (width), 34mm (height), 64mm (length)
Registration NumberGH011307
Credit linePurchased 2005
Overview
This sterling silver and gold presentation cradle was made by Frank Grady Junior in 1927. It comes complete with the original doll and bedding.
In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries it was customary to gift a miniature silver cradle to a member of Parliament or a member of a local body organisation if they had a child while in office. This example is inscribed with the message 'PRESENTED TO WOR.BRO. THOMPSON BY LODGE MAWHERA TO COMMEMORATE HIS FIRST BORN DURING HIS TERM OF OFFICE 1927-1928'. Thompson was a member of the Mawhera Freemasons Lodge, and was given the title 'Worshipful Brother'.