18th Century Silver Toddy Ladle with 1723 George I Shilling

Description

Heading : 18th century silver toddy ladle with 1723 George I shilling
Date : 18th century
Origin : England
Decoration : Barleytwist handle
Size :  Length:38cm
Condition : Scratch on coin. slight split in handle
Restoration : None
Weight :  50 grams gross

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 enabled the rest of the bowl to be relatively flimsy. 

This example is rare in that the George I shilling has a gilt wash.