18th Century Fluted Silver Toddy Ladle with 1758 George II Shilling

Description

Heading : 18th century fluted silver toddy ladle with 1758 George II shilling
Date : 18th century
Period : George II
Origin : England
Decoration : Fluted bowl. shaft engraved: ‘TIM’
Size :  Length: 33.5cm
Condition : Handle slightly warped. otherwise good
Restoration : None
Weight :  Gross: 42 grams

Toddy or punch ladles were a staple of 18th century households. Due to the expense of silver. the handles were made from other materials. most commonly baleen.  Baleen is not. as many people believe whale bone. but part of a whale’s filtration system and more akin to human hair.  When still wet it can be moulded. twisted and then dried in that position.

The addition of coins into the bowls was also due to the cost of silver.  Maker’s started to add coins to both add strength and act as a counterweight to flexible handle.  This example has a lovely fluted bowl giving a sunburst effect around the coin.  This is perfect for flaming the Christmas pudding