Cast Iron Ladle "Numbers"?

[dpaultx]

I see these "vintage" cast iron ladles on FleaBay all the time that are typically identified only by a number, such as a #2, or a #2-1/2, or a #3, etc.

I have just always figured that the number refereed to the number of ounces that the ladel held, but is this number in dry ounces or fluid ounces or what? Does anyone know exactly what these numbers refer to.

Thanks . . . Doug

[runfiverun]

#='s Lb's

[dpaultx]

Thanks runfiverun. That makes sense I guess, if they were originaly made for dipping lead.

[GLL]

My Rowell #8 holds 40 pounds of lead ! (It is 8 inches diameter though)

Jerry