Images(3)

Soup Ladle

Dateca.1790-1810

Maker James Gaskins (1761 - 1827)

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Norfolk or Portsmouth

MediumSilver

DimensionsLength: 15 5/16"; Diameter of bowl: 3 3/16"; Depth of Bowl: 1 7/16"

Credit LineBequest of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Hennage

Object number2020-335

DescriptionSoup ladle with a long, tapering handle with blunt-pointed, down-turned tip and a round bowl. The back of bowl is engraved at handle juncture with a large linear drop.
Label TextThe maker of this ladle began his silversmithing apprenticeship in Norfolk before the Revolutionary War, in which he served the Patriot cause as a Captain of militia. Gaskins worked in Portsmouth from about 1780 until relocating to Norfolk once again in 1804. By 1806 he had moved back to Portsmouth, where he worked until his death at the age of sixty-six . Gaskins is notable for using many different marks, usually found on flatware like spoons and ladles.
InscribedFront tip of handle engraved "JMH" in sprigged script.
MarkingsBack of handle struck with "J•GASKINS" in relief within a conforming rectangle (Hollan mark e).
ProvenancePurchased from Israel Sack, Inc. (New York, NY), on November 20, 1968.