Ladle

Name/Title

Ladle

Entry/Object ID

00.343.1

Description

Skimmer ladle with brass bowl and iron handle. The handle has a reverse hook tip for hanging.

Use

Ladles are essential kitchen tools used to scoop liquids into other vessels. Their long handles allow users to maintain a safe distance from hot soups or stocks, reducing not only the risk of burns but also contamination. Skimmer ladles were used specifically to remove "scum" and impurities, such as fat, from the liquid as it cooked.

Context

While copper—a naturally occurring metal—was once the standard material used for making kitchen implements, it was later replaced by alloys such as bronze and brass. Both of these materials are created by combining copper with another metal: tin in the case of bronze, and zinc in the case of brass. Brass kitchen tools like this are generally more durable and less expensive than copper alternatives.

Made/Created

Date made

circa 1820

Dimensions

Length

19 in

Diameter

5 in

Material

Metal