What type of Ladle is this? A Toddy ladle?

[edward]

Can anyone identify this ladle. I would like to know what it was used for and why it is this shape.
Thank you,
Edward

[dragonflywink]

Hi and welcome to the forums. You don't mention a size, but guessing it's fairly large, maybe 9"-10" long? Have seen a few of these over the years and believe all have been Gorham (yours is the St. Cloud pattern) - believe that they're a version of a bon-bon server, often called a 'bonbonniere' because rather than being used to scoop out the sweets, they were used as a dish (note the fluting on the lip of the bowl), and passed by the handle or carried around by a servant, the protruded area resting on their wrist. Gorham, Whiting and a few other makers produced very ornate, pierced bowl (usually cast) versions in the late 19th-early 20th century - if you do an internet search for Gorham bonbonniere, several of those fancier items should come up.

~Cheryl

[edward]

Thank you. Yes it is about 10" long.