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The first aspect one notices about this early ladle is its overall sleekness. The proportionally
large bowl is hewn delicately thin to reinforce the streamlined beaver effigy which fully occupies
the handle.
The backside of the beaver has a tail running down the back of the handle.
The whole has an exceptional surface.
Purportedly the initials, “I B” stand for John Bull (1721-1807) of Hamptonburgh, Orange
County, NY, who was the son of William Bull (1689-1756) and Sarah Wells (1694-1796). Bull
likely acquired the ladle in trade or as a gift.
This is the only known early ladle with
branded initials. |
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