A heavy, 12 1/2 inch ladle by Andrew G. Medley, Louisville, Kentucky, circa 1845.

This impressive piece has the exaggerated handle form associated with Louisville silversmiths beginning in the mid-1830s and continuing for about fifteen years. Many Louisville makers used variations of this form but this is perhaps the best example I have seen.

Medley stayed in Louisville until 1849 when, like so many others, he left Louisville to join the California gold rush of 1849. By 1856, he was in San Francisco, where he was advertising as a Watch Maker. One source states that he later returned to Louisville. This nearly pristine ladle is the best example of Medley's work that I have seen.

$675.00