louche écossaise en argent massif en forme de coquillage

Scottish silver is something we love to see and this beautiful shell form ladle is a lovely example from the 18th century. The bowl of the ladle is beautifully fluted in the form of a shell and is in remarkably good order for something that would have seen quite a bit of use over the past 150 years. The tapered handle is in good antique condition with some evidence that perhaps there has been a slight repair at the neck at some stage in its life, which is fairly standard for a large piece of flatware of its age, and has been well executed. Both the three tower Edinburgh assay mark and the Scottish thistle assay mark are present on the piece, however the date mark has been significantly rubbed and is illegible. There is the remnants of a maker's mark, and from the shape of the cartouche which has a ruffled edge, we believe it was possibly manufactured by Ker & Dempster who were active in the mid 18th century. To the handle is a later monogram which looks to have been applied during the Art Deco period and is the initials 'AVZ', and is beautifully engraved. A lovely piece for a collector of Scottish silver, or a practical piece for serving hearty winter soups.

Marked - Scottish thistle and Edinburgh city marks with rubbed date and maker's mark

Measures - 39.5cm long 

Total weight - 197.5 grams