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Silver toddy and sauce ladles originated in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when silversmiths crafted them specifically for serving warm alcoholic drinks, known as toddies. Later, people adapted these ladles for sauces at formal dining tables. Skilled silversmiths designed these smaller ladles with deep, round bowls and short handles, making them ideal for pouring small amounts of liquid with precision. In colonial America and Britain, families often used silver toddy ladles during social gatherings, where they served warm, spiced rum or whiskey toddies. These ladles frequently featured decorative details, such as elegant monograms or floral engravings, to add a touch of sophistication to the experience.
As dining customs evolved in the 19th century, however, toddy ladles found a new purpose as sauce ladles, ideal for serving gravies and sauces at the table. Households that valued formal dining began to incorporate sauce ladles into their silverware sets, and silversmiths designed ladles to match popular silverware patterns, creating a unified look for the table. In some designs, craftsmen added curved or slightly angled handles, allowing diners to serve sauces gracefully from various serving dishes.
The Industrial Revolution brought new methods of silverware production, enabling manufacturers to produce silver ladles on a larger scale. Middle-class families could now acquire silver toddy and sauce ladles, making these items more accessible and practical in everyday dining.
By the 20th century, silver toddy and sauce ladles became less common, as people shifted toward simpler materials like stainless steel and streamlined dining practices. However, collectors and antique enthusiasts still prize these ladles for their refined craftsmanship and their connection to historic dining customs.
Situated within the Central belt of Scotland (UK), we are a small, family run business. Indeed, we traded in silver for many years before forming Dart Silver Ltd in 2006.
