18th Century Toddy Ladle with Gilded 1758 George II Shilling

Description

Heading : 18th century toddy ladle with gilded George II 1758 shilling  
Date : Made during reign of George III. most probably c1780
Period : George III
Origin : England
Decoration : Repousse and chased fruiting vines decoration. Cartouche engraved C.M
Size :  35.5 cm
Condition : Excellent. no dings 
Restoration : None
Weight : 49 grams 

Please note that only coins that were out of circulation were used to “make weight”. It was illegal to use current coinage for anything other than it’s intended purpose. If a ladle contains a shilling from the reign of Queen Anne it can only have been legally made after her reign ended in 1714.

The other major consideration is the cause for using coinage. Castaing’s “Course of the Exchange” provides an almost continuous record of silver prices within London markets. There were huge spikes in the price of silver between 1778 and 1783 that coincide with the Anglo French wars and the latter part of the American revolutionary wars. During the reign of George III  large quantities of coins form the regn of George II and earlier were melted down and used for decoration or to “make weight”. During times of high silver prices the gauge used by silversmiths was lighter than during low cost periods. coine were added to give balance and to increase total weight.

Do not be deceived by foolish assertions that silver items may be dated from a coin used to make weight or decorate