OLD LEAD DIPPER ?

[JIMMY555]

HI This was found in a garden. Can anyone date this and what it was used for? I think it is hand made and has a w or m on the back. It is 10-1/2 in long

 

[kuger]

That was probably for pouring molten lead in to a mold to make bullets

 

[stefen]

Plumbers used them to place lead over oakum in cast iron sewer pipes...

Still have my dads around somewhere...probably last used in early 60's

 

[kuger]

Plumbers used them to place lead over oakum in cast iron sewer pipes...

Still have my dads around somewhere...probably last used in early 60's

The one in question appears to have a hand forged handle?Was your Dads?

 

[Tony in SC]

I believe the one in the picture was cast and the handle was hammered flat? Tony

 

[bradyboy]

Agree with Kugar
bullet lead ladel for pouring into molds
Brady

 

[kuger]

I believe the one in the picture was cast and the handle was hammered flat? Tony

Can you "hammer",cast metal?

 

[bradyboy]

The fact that it has a "W" mark is very intersting
BradyBoy

 

[Tony in SC]

I believe the one in the picture was cast and the handle was hammered flat? Tony

Can you "hammer",cast metal?

Yes. Malleable cast iron can be heated and hammered or even bent, On the back side of the ladle you can see the casting seams on the edges on the handle. I'm thinkg it may be a cooking utensil for an iron pot. The smelting ladles that I have , have a wire handle so it won't get hot. Tony

 

[Breezie]

I've seen both solid handles and wooden handles on Civil War lead ladles as pictured. Breezie