George II Silver Cannon Handle Punch Ladle


Date: 1737

Maker: William Justis

Country: England

Stock: 9806

Description

This is a fine example of an early English silver cannon handled punch ladle. Engraved on the back of the bowl with contemporary initials M.B.

Weight 246 grams, 7.9 troy ounces.
Length 36cm. Bowl 6 x 7.3cm.
Stamped inside the bowl for London 1737.
Maker probably William Justis (mark 3200 in Grimwade’s “London Goldsmiths 1697-1837)”.

Marks. A full set of clear English silver hallmarks stamped to the inside of the bowl.

Literature. Punch ladles were introduced in the early 1700's and differ from other ladles in the fact that they usually have turned wood or twisted whalebone handles. Originally they had round bowls which were superseded in about 1735 by egg shaped bowls. Later on lips were added and after 1760 they were often inset with silver coins. Silver soup and sauce ladles date from George II period and later.

Biography

William Justis

William Justis, apprenticed to John Fawdery 1712, turned over to Richard Bayley 1718, free 1721. 1st mark entered as largeworker circa 1731, 2nd mark 1739. His son William was apprenticed to him in 1747, turned over to David Field. Other spellings are Justise and Justus. His mark is usually found on salvers and waiters.

Condition

Very good. No wear to the bowl.

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