A large, nearly twelve-inch coin silver ladle by BROOKS & DOLD, Madison, Indiana, c. 1860s-1870s.

Frederick O. Brooks came to Madison in the early 1850s and likely worked for another jewelry and silver establishment before starting his own business in 1864. Shortly thereafter he entered into a partnership with Godfried Dold, a watchmaker and jeweler who came to Madison after working at his trade in Louisville, Kentucky. The partnership of Brooks & Dold began in 1866 and lasted until about 1874, thus the abovementioned ladle would have been produced during that time frame. A few spoons and one small ladle from this partnership have been seen, but I believe that this is the most important extant piece of silver known by these makers.

This ladle is in pristine condition, heavy weight, and exhibits fine engraved decoration as shown in the photos. A truly rare specimen from the town of Madison.

SOLD