Antique Sterling Silver Toddy Ladle

London 1749 in the reign of George II
The silversmith is David Hennell I

The single-lipped toddy ladle has a fluted bowl and a turned wooden handle.
The length (including the handle) is 36 cm.
The bowl is 8 x 6 x 3 cm
The ladle weighs 68 gm but this includes the wooden handle

Condition
The 18th Century was a hard-drinking period and toddy ladles were a well used (and abused) piece of equipment. Survivors are few on the ground, and those that have survived are often battle-scarred.
This fine example, by one of the leading silversmiths of the time, is no exception, and the opening bid price reflects this.
(In pristine condition ladles of this size and period fetch upwards of R5000)
At some point the bowl separated from the handle and reattached. (illustrated)
There is a split in one of the flutes which has been repaired. (illustrated)
There are two tiny splits on the rim (too small to photograph)
The end of the wooden handle has a split. (illustrated)
The handle is no longer square to the bowl and is about 10 degrees off (another sign of a well used implement)
The hallmarks are legible.