18th Century Toddy Ladle with 1675 Charles II Fourpence c1780

Description

Heading : 18th century toddy ladle with 1675 Charles II fourpence.  
Date : Probably c1780
Period : George III
Origin : England
Decoration : Subtle chased decoration to rim of bowl. 
Size : 32.3cm length
Condition : Excellent 
Restoration : None
Weight : 39 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 coin from the reign of Charles 11 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 reign of George II and earlier were melted down or used to “make weight”. During times of high silver prices the gauge used by silversmiths was lighter than during low cost periods. coins 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 decorat. This is George III