Sterling Silver. Likely made at Cincinnati within the decade of the 1880s.  See Amy Dehan’s Cincinnati Silver 1788-1940 for a bowl illustrated on page 129 exhibiting the lobster theme.  Substantial weight.  Excellent original condition aside from a possible removal of a hook opposite the lobster on the handle.  A small knob remains which is visible in an image.  If the ladle actually had this device it would have been intended to anchor the ladle to the side of a punch bowl so to prevent the ladle from slipping into the food or beverage.