Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Makers' Marks
| |||||||
|
The custom of striking an extra mark upon Irish silver to denote the retailer was a common practice begun in the late 18th century and carried on until the early 20th century. Although this practice was later taken up by retail silversmiths in other countries, it is thought likely that the Irish were the first to do this on a fairly regular basis, making them pioneers in the concept of retail branding. The majority of the retail marks belong to individuals or firms that were listed in directories of the time as jewellers, watchmakers, goldsmiths or a combination thereof, while a minority were working silversmiths engaged in retail trading. These additional marks can provide a wonderful insight into the Irish silver trade by revealing part of the working relationship between the silversmiths, i.e., who was working for whom, their working dates, intercity trade relations, etc.. However, the use of these additional marks has been known to cause some confusion, especially as there was some overlap between working silversmith and retail silversmith. At other times it can be difficult to determine which is the retailer and which is the maker. Another complication is that a later retailer's mark can sometimes be found on older secondhand piece that later passed through the hands of the retailer, this is a pitfall that should be remembered as it can easily muddle the working dates of the silversmiths involved. A-F G-K K-P R-W W-W |
•
|
|
