Irish Mystery

[tmockait]

I am trying to date this spoon more precisely and perhaps ID its maker. What I know: It was made in Dublin between 1730 (introduction of the Hybernia mark) and 1787 (when the crowned harp was set in an oval crest). The letter "B" could be a date letter for 1748 or 1774. However, the shape of the stamp in which the letter is set does not match the date letter crest. Although the marked is partially effaced and the picture of limited clarity, there does not appear to have been any other letter to right or left of the "B". Jackson lists some Dublin Goldsmiths with two letter marks, the last of which is a "B," but none with "B" alone. I am also curious about the rustic mongram and cross on the top side of the handle. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom





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[Granmaa]

Tom,
I can't tell you the date of the spoon by the hallmarks, but by the style of engraving on the monogram it looks to be 1735 - 1750. Does it say M over D + C? If so it was probably given to a couple as a wedding present; M being the initial of the couple and D and C being the initials of their forenames.

What does everyone else think?

Miles
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[georgiansilver]

Looking at the pic of the mark, it does not appear to be 'B' alone..seems like there was another letter in front of it which may have been worn..
Impossible to date from the pic you have shown. Could you possibly post a full size pic of all the marks...possibly with flash and well lit without flash on your camera. Will try to be more accurate. Best wishes, Mike.
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[Neruda]

Your first mark ooks like the maker's mark, possibly "WB" - in which case William Beates of Dublin may be a contender. He seems to have specialised in spoons and was working in the 1750s.
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