Posted 12 years ago
Budek
(313 items)
Hello,
I picked this up at a little antique shop about 15 years ago and keep it in a cabinet in the house, out of the way of the cats,( 2 ). I wonder about it as much today as when I first purchased it. The handle is bamboo or some other light, strong, tropical wood. The cup appears to be some type of bone, or horn. It has a thready grain, and where insects have gnawed at it it looks to be a dense, whitish, material.
I think it's very old.
Despite the spindly look of it. the handle and the way it's joined to the cup, it's surprising sturdy.
I can't find any marking on it, does it look familiar to anyone?
Wow, you find the interesting mysteries don't you Bodek. I would guess it is a some sort of farm implement. Something you stir and taste or test...
Good Suggestions, Amber Rose! I think 'taster', or 'cup', may hit the nail on the head.
I hope it's as beautiful where you are as it is here on Cape Cod, it's been a Winter of Spring time. Take care. T
Thank You Bellin!
Hi Budek! Have a look under 'toddy ladle' or 'punch ladle'. They are more often seen with a silver bowl and a whale bone twisted handle. Interesting object!
Vetraio, how fascinating!
I think now that the stem may well be baleen, and the cup,.....some type of horn.
Years ago I managed an art supply store,( for 24.5 years ) and had this ladle in a glass display case with supplies and other interesting finds.
An antiques dealer used to come in to check up on my growing collection of treasures. He was very interested in this piece.
It's nice to know something more about it, Grazie!
Tony
Prego, Tonino!