The History and Use of Silver Toddy and Sauce Ladles
Silver toddy and sauce ladles and other types of silverware that are seemingly taken for granted these days often have a long, rich history of use. That is true of the silver toddy and sauce ladles developed from original designs first created thousands of years ago. Antique toddy ladles up to the Victorian era are so desired for this reason.
The market for antique ladles of all types is strong for many reasons. But the most important reason is arguably how it reflects the period in which it was made. Seemingly ordinary items such as ladles, including toddy and sauce ladles, showcase the attitude and tastes of a bygone era.
To better understand how the ladle came about, it helps to know its history. When it started to become prized, and why more ornate decorations and patterns were added.
Early History
Although the origins of the ladle are unclear, what is known is that the basic design seen today goes back to Roman times. While variations of spoons have been around since before civilization sprang up several thousand years ago, the unique design of the ladle with its long, thin handle and cup-like spoon first appeared during the Roman era over two thousand years ago.
The Romans ruled most of Europe, including England at that time. As a result, many items spread from Spain to Africa to the Middle East and back to England. This included the ladle which was introduced to the English people. Even after the Romans left and new invaders came to its shores, the people of England began to produce their own version of the ladle.
Medieval Times to Victorian Era
Although most ladles were created from common metals, the first sterling silver flatware produced in England began in the 13th century. Silver was used because of its malleable qualities along with the value that was placed in the precious metal itself. The creation of the sterling silver toddy and sauce ladles were in Sheffield. However, they would remain relatively rare for hundreds of years until the mid-18th century.
The reasons why such ladles made of silver were uncommon for hundreds of years is rather simple to explain. Even in those times, silver was a rare and highly prized precious metal. So, only royalty and the rich could afford to have their silverware made from such a substance. However, all that changed when the soup tureen was created.
The soup tureen is essentially a ceramic bowl with a lid that helps keep the soup hot inside. Once the tureen was created, a ladle was needed to dip the soup out and thus toddy ladle suddenly became more prominent. The thin, gooseneck handle and dipping cup at the end made the ladle the right compliment for the tureen. Add to that ladles made from sterling silver which also complimented the overall design of the tureen as well.
Silversmiths Experiment!
With the rise of ladles for soup tureens, it was not long before silversmiths of the era began to experiment. They came up with different sizes, handle lengths, and overall designs. At first, the handles tended to be simple and similar to other silverware. However, it was not long before silversmiths began to develop different designs for different perceived needs.
Perhaps the most famous design was the punch ladle, a large ladle with a cup big enough to fill a glass. So popular are punch ladles that many people probably associate ladles only with the serving of punch. However, specific uses cause many different types of ladles to be designed. If you visit the kitchens of restaurants, especially fine restaurants, you will see various sauce ladles being used.
Sauce ladles can also be found in some home kitchens, but they have become less popular over the years because fewer people cook meals in their homes.
The Toddy Ladle
The toddy ladle was the result of such an experiment that probably did not have the end result in mind. Hogmanay created the toddy or het pint for the New Year’s celebration in Scotland.
The toddy ladle was created at some point. A smaller ladle than normal with a cup designed to deliver the right amount of toddy. Wood, whalebone, and horns made up the long handle. However, silver came into prominence because it was malleable and matched the highly ornate bowls in which the toddy was kept.
Silver Toddy and Sauce Ladles Today
From the Georgian to Victorian era and beyond, the toddy and sauce ladles have continued to flourish. However, their highly ornate designs have now become a thing of the past. Clean, neat lines came with the modern era and changed how ladle handles were crafted. People desired sleek and clean, straight lines. No longer was an ornate, stylized version desired.
The Art Nouveau movement restored some of the elegance and ornate design of ancient ladles, many sporting motifs of fruit or floral patterns. In fact, such designs are often identify the manufacturer. Plus, the use of sterling silver continues because of its combination of beauty and practicality. The look of sterling silver is perfect for all types of ladles. Plus, one can easily clean and maintain them.
One can still find sterling silver ladles with some decorations or twists to make them unique. However, overall the Victorian era ladles are long gone, replaced with more practical, if less interesting designs. But that means antique toddy and sauce ladles are now more desired because of their rarity.