In England, ladles for punch evolved by the late 17th century; whereas in America, the first examples date from the mid-18th century. The simple form consists of a bowl with an attached conical socket to receive a turned, wooden handle.

William Hollingshead, whose shop produced this elegant example, holds the distinction of being the first American silversmith to enjoy the patronage of George Washington. In March 1776, Washington ordered two cases of knives and forks, camp cups, and a half-dozen coffee cups. He chose well, for today Hollingshead is highly regarded for the fine quality of his work in the rococo and neoclassical styles. He supplied commissions to a diverse clientele ranging from Philadelphia’s elite to government entities that in turn presented them to Native American chiefs as expressions of friendship.

While it is unknown for whom this handsome ladle was made, the quality of its design, craftsmanship, and the presence of its elegant scrolled cipher, clearly indicate that it was an individual of some prominence. The engraved pattern is adapted from Samuel Sympson’s A New Book of Cyphers More Compleat and Regular Than Any Yet Extant (London, 1726). It is possible that Hollingshead executed the engraving or contracted an engraver. A turner shaped the contoured handle.