A Fine Antique Silver Parcel Gilt and Wood Toddy Ladle, 18th Century

Hammered and embossed. Gilt interior.

Total weight: 250 gr, length: 40 cm

Toddy Ladles - At the beginning of the 17th century, the punch drink became very popular and, of course, required a special ladle for its pouring – hence the origin of the "Toddy" ladle. A "Toddy" ladle is a ladle used for pouring a drink called "Toddy" from a punch bowl into a drinking glass. The ladle is quite small, sometimes with a relatively long handle, sometimes with a pouring spout. Often there was a coin cast at the bottom of the ladle, to strengthen it. Based on the coin, one can date the ladle. "Toddy" is a drink usually made of whiskey or rum with the addition of water, lemon juice, and sugar, served hot. Sometimes crushed nutmeg is added. Originally, the drink was distilled spirit from coconut or date nuts (arrack) which was imported as "date toddy". The handle was made of horn or wood (to prevent heating) a coated reed was inserted into the handle to secure the wooden part of the handle to the point where it would sink into the hot liquid. In this way, the connection was protected from the hot drink to prevent the handle from loosening. In 1760, it was sometimes customary to replace the wooden handle with whalebone (mainly during the reign of George III(. The handle was usually round or square, but its upper part was typically made in a spiral shape, to allow for a secure grip.

Taken from Egozipedia.