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Horn book
Kedder, Thomas - Enlarge image
Horn book
- Place of origin:
London (made)
- Date:
ca. 1705 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Kedder, Thomas (maker)
- Materials and Techniques:
Silver, engraved
- Museum number:
M.2-1995
- Gallery location:
Silver, Room 65, The Whiteley Galleries, case 21
This horn book was a gift from Queen Anne (ruled 1702-1714) to her godson, Master Guy Selbright. His crest is engraved on the handle and the Queen's portrait medallion is on the back.
The horn book was an early learning tool for children, both rich and poor. This one is engraved with versions of the alphabet in both capital and lower-case letters and the Lord’s Prayer. Usually of wood, leather, bone, ivory, pewter or even gingerbread, horn books of silver were rare. Elizabeth I had one with a silver filigree frame.