Description:  A beautiful antique small and rather dainty handmade butcher or kitchen tasting ladle. This small ladle has a wrought iron or forged iron handle attached to a small and shallow brass bowl with copper rivets. The handle is flat at the top and bottom end with a tubular portion in the middle. The bottom flat portion of the handle ends in a triangular shaped portion that is attached to the small and shallow bowl with three copper rivets. The handle is plain and undecorated with longer flat end away from the bowl ending in a curved portion (rat tail) from which the ladle would be hung. The handle which started as a solid iron or steel rod was obviously flattened on both ends by the blacksmith who made it. The bowl is thin, round, shallow, and is made of brass. It is attached to the handle with three copper rivets. This is a great looking antique piece which would make a great addition to any collection. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.

Date:  Unknown but we feel it was made in the mid nineteenth century (mid 1800s). 

Origin:  Purchased at an estate sale in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Most likely made in either Lancaster or Berks Counties Pennsylvania.

Size:  The ladle measures ~10 7/8" long, while the bowl is ~2 1/8" in diameter. The piece weighs about 2.7 ounces. 

Maker:  Unknown. 

Marks:  Unmarked as to the maker. 

Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece:  This is a nicely done wrought iron or steel, brass, and copper taster that is made in the best Americana tradition. It would be a great addition to any collection. 

Condition: The tasting ladle is in very good condition with no cracks, breaks or repairs. The piece is clean and looks great. The shallow brass bowl is nice, shiny, with dark staining and could probably use a little polishing to bring out its full beauty. The surface of the piece has a few scratches, some minor dings, stains throughout, and minor rust signs. The bowl has scratches, some minor unevenness, and a few minor dings. Be that as it may, the piece is solid and beautiful and really looks great. Please see photos for additional condition information.