Abstract: A pouring ladle for pouring molten metal into molds or other containers, including wall structure forming a chamber for holding the molten metal, a spout having wall structure forming longitudinal passage means therein, the passage having an inlet end in fluid communication with a chamber and an outlet end through which molten metal can be discharged, a drive gear arrangement is provided for rotating the pouring ladle about an axis of rotation, positioned such that the axis of rotation passes through the center of the discharge end of the passage, and the pouring ladle and spout being constructed such that the lower outer surface of the wall structure forming the chamber and the lower outer surface of the wall structure of the spout lie in the same horizontal plane when the ladle is in its full, non-pouring position. Thus, the entire ladle can be positioned above the mold while it is being filled with molten metal, or while the ladle is being moved to the pouring position.