Small ladle or kitchen spoon cast as a single piece, with circular bowl and slightly downturned cylindrical handle flattened to a flared, squared terminal. Handle struck incuse on front "J.Y.WATKINS&SON (arched) / 16 & 18 / CATHARINE ST. / NEW YORK" in sans serif letters, and on back with an incuse roman letter "I".
Maker is James Y. Watkins & Son, New York, NY; established as a tinware shop by James Y. Watkins, Sr. in 1830. By the late 19th century, firm was a commercial supplier and manufacturer of confectionery, baking, and ice cream fixtures and utensils to hotels, restaurants, clubs, institutions, etc.; also built French ranges, ovens and broilers.