How to identify and read antique Irish silver hallmarks and maker's marks

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By Weldon Jewellers

I have been working on my blog, www.weldons.ie/wordpress/, to create a resource of information on Irish silver hallmarks; how to read them, some background on some makers, and images of the hallmarks and maker's marks. To help share this information, I will also put some information onto hubpages.

The first silversmith we are going to look at here is John Moore of Dublin, who worked from 1724 to 1767.

He was apprenticd to Joseph Walker of Dublin in 1717, who made such pieces as these candlesticks:

Weldons Irish Silver

He worked on Christchurch Lane, in the centre of Dublin. A notable silversmith who was his apprentice was Ambrose Boxwell; a piece of Boxwell’s silver can be seen here:

Antique Silver Dublin

Moore’s maker’s mark was JM in a script, slightly intertwined. Another mark, where the bar of the J is also the first bar of the M, is also known. In many instances we have seen, Moore’s pieces were maker’s mark only, and not assayed.

Photographed is a superb cream jug by Moore, circa 1750, and below that is his mark. Note that is this case it is slightly double-struck.

Comments

cflynn profile image

cflynn 18 months ago

Hi there, can these marks be faked? im guessing they were literally 'struck' i.e hammered on?

Weldon Jewellers profile image

Weldon Jewellers Hub Author 18 months ago

It is possible to try and fake them; but the fakers always make a few mistakes, giving the game away!

Gman 8 months ago

Hi, I'd be interested to know where I might find out more information about Joseph Walker. I believe he was one of the leading silversmiths of his time along with the likes of Thomas Boulton etc! When was his first mark recorded? Was he known for producing certain types of silverware?

tks

Gman

Weldon Jewellers profile image

Weldon Jewellers Hub Author 8 months ago

hi gman

you are right, Joseph Walker was a wonderful silversmith, from the early 18th century. I have written about his son Samuel Walker on my blog, here: http://www.weldons.ie/wordpress/2011/05/irish-silv

I will add Joseph to the list of people I need to write about!!! From memory, you can expect to find his work from about 1690 until 1720-ish!

Gman 7 months ago

Thanks for your reply. Is there a chance he might have made a three footed flat salver in the early 1690s? I ask as an acquaintance recently claimed to possess such an item though after some research, I found out that most if not all the Irish serving trays of William III and indeed even Queen Anne period would have been of the Tazza type. I believe even in Britain the flatter three or four footed salver only appeared in the 1680s onward and Irish design was somewhat behind. The only logic I could apply was Joseph Walker being such a prominent silversmith of his time might have been trying different styles he was aware of being carried out in Britain. If this is the case wouldn't such a piece be extremely rare?

AB 3 months ago

Hi there, I am just curious, why do you think John Moore silver pieces are often found without hallmarks? Isn't that unusual for a Dublin maker at that time? Is there anywhere to find out more info on this maker?

Weldon Jewellers profile image

Weldon Jewellers Hub Author 3 months ago

hi, it's not too unusual. this sometimes happened in the middle of the 18th century.

we have a super pair of john moore sauceboats in the shop at the moment, have a look here:

http://www.weldons.ie/wordpress/2012/01/superb-joh

(you can click and drag the piece for a 360 degree view)

Weldon Jewellers profile image

Weldon Jewellers Hub Author 3 months ago

hi gman

it would be very rare and unusual!!! i would love to see such a piece :)

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