Antique Irish Silver

Silver has been used in Ireland since prehistoric times; magnificent pieces of silversmithing are currently in the National Museum in Dublin.

Following the granting of a charter by King Charles I, an assay office was set up in Dublin in 1637 to check the purity of silver and hallmark it.

Irish silver generally is used to refer to articles of silver that were manufactured in Ireland, as opposed to silver that was mined in Ireland. While Dublin was the main centre of silversmithing, items were also made in Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick and Cork, as well as some other towns.

During the 18th century, which is considered the period when silversmithing reached its peak, there are three key styles:

During the first part of the 18th century, the silver was made in a plain style, heavy gauge and simple. See the tankard below for an example.

During the middle of the century, silver became more elaborate, with Rococco designs and ornate embellishment. See the photo of the cream jug below for an example of this style.

From about 1775 onwards, the silver style became simpler again, but with some decoration, typically Neoclassical or Adamesque swags. The photo below shows a silver bowl from around 1775, of plain shape but with decoration around the rim.