In the early 18th century, Dublin was a relatively small town, with a population of about 7,000, and where Trinity College stood on its outskirts. Nevertheless, silver of great beauty and quality was being produced for Ecclesiastical and domestic use.

As 17th century items are virtually unobtainable, this period represents the earliest silver that one could start collectioning. It is a period of simple design married with solid gauge of silver.

Items up to 1730 will typically have two hallmarks; the harped crowned, and a date letter, in addition to a maker's mark.

The first items to look at is a pair of cast George I candlesticks, from 1717. They are of simple design, with a lightly geometric pattern, and are hallmarked on the base. The second photograph shows the hallmarks, B for 1717, and the harped crowned. In the upper right of the photo can be seen the maker's mark, MW, for Matthew Walker.Candlesticks in Ireland did not have nozzles until c. 1740. The candlesticks are quite short, measuring c. 6.5 inches, typical of the era.

The next item to view is a lidded tankard, from 1719, by David King. Like many silversmiths in the early 18th century, King was an influential person, and served with the City Council. He is remembered today on King Street, in Dublin. Note again the plain form and solid shape; though relatively small, the tankard has a scratchweight of 25 ounces. There is a beautiful original armorial on the front of it, which is that of the first owner.

Handles were often made by another person, and hallmarked separately, though in this case there is no reason to think that King did not make the handle himself. It is remarkable that after nearly 300 years the hinge and handle are in such good condition!

The piece is hallmarked beside the handle. This is typical, and is the first place one should look for a hallmark in this type of piece; the other common location of hallmarks would be on the base.

Similar points could be made about the next piece, an early two-handled cup, by Edward Dowdall. It is plain and simple in style, solid and heavy, and bears an engraved armorial; if you look carefully at the centre, you can see a pegasus. The cup has a scratchweight of 24 ounces and 9 pennyweight. This is the weight "scratched" into the cup by the assay office, to record the weight. Over the course of time it is not unusual to lose a small bit of weight, but the item should never weigh more than the scratchweight!

Another beautiful piece of early Irish silver is this bullet shape teapot, made in Dublin in 1717. It is of extremely simple form. Very few, perhaps less that 40, of these are known to exist. It is hallmarked on the base, and still pours beautifully!

The final item to view is a stunning strawberry dish, from 1715. This was made by Edward Workman, and is slightly unusual in that the flutings are slightly ornate; however, the overall style is still predominately plain. Note the armorial in the centre of the dish, with the Latin motto "Virtus Parentum". The dish was 32 flutes, which is rare for a strawberry dish.