A large investment worthy coin silver American ladle made by renowned Philadelphia silversmith Joseph Richardson, Jr. ( 1752-1831). The Richardson family dominated the Philadelphia silver market for nearly a hundred years. Richardson, Jr. was working from about 1777 to 1805. He made all of the 1795 Washington Indian Peace Medals and later became Assayer at the United States Mint. Historians consider this evidence as a strong indicator that he had a close relationship with George Washington and the first director of the U.S.Mint, David Rittenhouse. The bowl of the ladle is plain and round. The high arched handle has a feathered edge and engraved initials at the tip. The initials could have historical significance if traced to an early Philadelphia family. The ladle is in very good condition with no repairs. There are some shallow bumps and pings in the bowl. It bears Richardson, Jr.'s initials in a cartouche three times on the reverse of the handle. It measures 13.5"long and has a bowl diameter of 3.5". Weight is 6 ounces.