Dublin Ireland makers mark J*S?

scook · Post by **scook** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 2:47 pm

Hello.... Anyone know the maker for this item --- no date mark but should be between 1821 - 25?

Thanks in advance ... Steve

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Post by **Granmaa** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 3:32 pm

There is a pair of tongs with the same marks and the same engraving at Graham Hodges' site, and he tentatively attributes them to John Shields.

http://www.silversugartongs.com/Dublin/JS/JS.htm

Miles
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buckler · Post by **buckler** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 4:28 pm

John Shields mark given in Jackson on a tablespoon looks a good match, and spoonmakers often made tongs. Your dating is too late however I think - by 1793 the oval punches for Hibernia and the crowned harp had been replaced by a cut cornered rectangle and by 1807 a George Head had been added . John Shields dates match fairly well - 1762 to 1784. Stylistically I think these date to around 1780 -1800.
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scook · Post by **scook** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 6:49 pm

Thank you for the help... I do appreciate it,,,, Steve
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larkfield · Post by **larkfield** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 4:40 am

I understood the name of the silversmith was JOHN SHIELS not SHIELDS.
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Post by **Granmaa** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:05 am

Jackson's uses Sheilds.
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buckler · Post by **buckler** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:22 pm

Looking at the JS tongs on Graham Hodges site I agree his dating to post 1797 (or post 1794) , which if Jackson is correct rules Shields out on that pair. However the mark on your pair is not identical to his and thus does not IMHO exclude Shields for your pair . They are a nice pair by any standards !
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