1860s Large Sheffield Silverplate Rattail Soup & Stew Ladle by Martin Hall & Co.

Description

This large Victorian era Sheffield silver ladle for serving soups and stews was crafted in the 1860's by Martin Hall … more This large Victorian era Sheffield silver ladle for serving soups and stews was crafted in the 1860's by Martin Hall & Co., one of Britain's best known silversmiths of the 19th and early 20th centuries. With its beloved English classic 'Rat Tail' style, long handle, generously-sized round bowl and balance of form and function, it has timeless appeal and versatility for use in various dining settings, whether traditional or contemporary, formal or casual.

There are no engravings or monograms.

Marks (stamped into the silver on the reverse of the handle):
‘A1’ / 'MH & Co' / 'S'

The 'A1' mark is the code used by the British silver industry to indicate 'Superior Quality', the highest available quality rating for silver plated wares.

The 'S' mark represents the letter date code used by the British silver industry for Sheffield silver in the year 1860. (NOTE: an 'S' was also used for Sheffield silver in 1885, but in a different font than the one used in 1860; although the 'S' mark on this ladle is faded and worn it appears to more closely resemble the 1860 style 'S' as shown in 19th century silver directories. )

The original late 1960’s sales tag for purchase of this ladle (see included photo) states the ladle is Victorian 'circa 1860'.

Measures:
Width (of bowl): 3.75 inches / 9.5 cm
Height (of bowl): : 2 375 inches / 6 cm
Length (complete): 13 inches / 33 cm (handle only = 9.5 in)
Weight (approx): 238 g / 8.375 oz

MAKER: Martin Hall & Co was one of the best known British silversmiths and manufacturers of the 19th and early 20th centuries and had an excellent reputation for their fine sterling as well as electroplated silver pieces. They participated in numerous major international exhibitions of their day including the Crystal Palace 1851 Great Exhibition. Evolving out of a partnership established in 1820 in Sheffield, England, by Henry Wilkinson and John Roberts who traded as Wilkinson & Roberts, the firm's chronology was: John Roberts (1836), Roberts & Hall (1846), Martin Hall & Co (1854) and Martin Hall & Co Ltd (1866). They ceased operations in or about 1936. less