Antique Ridgway “Giraffe” Transferware Ladle either a Gravy or Sauce~1836+ Stoneware England. Condition is "Used". Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.

From the Ridgway archive, regarding this pattern:

“In 1827, Mohammed Ali, Wali (Viceroy) of Egypt, gave three live Giraffes, one to George IV of Britain, one to Charles X of France, and one to Franz II of Austria. The British specimen arrived with two milch-cows and two native handlers, and was installed in Windsor Great Park. It died in October 1829 and was dissected by a taxidermist called John Gould, and William IV donated the skin and bones to the Zoological Society of London's Museum in August 1830. There it remained until 1855 when the museum closed. The pathologist Mr. Crisp purchased the skin, but the current whereabouts of the remains, supposing them to have survived, is not known.”  It is commonhly regarded as the first time the British public saw a giraffe.

I have collected this pattern for many decades and only seen one other ladle. It measures 7 inches long and the bowl is 2 3/4 inches in diameter. It is unmarked as are some of the other small pieces that have passed through my hands. If it had one, the backstamp would read: 

“Published Aug. 30th 1836 Agreeably to the Act-Stoneware-GIRAFFE.”  

Looking at the reverse, this piece fell and broke in several places. The good news is they are all present and it is glued back together. It is lovely as is--but any good repair person could redo this and address the flakes and flea bites on the rim of the bowl. It is fresh to market and my reserve is reasonable given the scarcity of the piece.

Please feel free to message me with any questions. I have and strive to keep 100% happy buyers but don't take returns.