Cork silver Pepper Pot by George Hodder

[scorpio]

In his book Irish Silver, Robert Wyse Jackson describes George Hodder as a very important maker and indeed he was. George Hodder's grandfather was the first Protestant Mayor of Cork, serving the city in 1656 and George Hodder himself was appointed Mayor during 1754-55. He became a freeman in 1746 and died in 1771.

This is a nice silver pepper pot of baluster form on a shaped spreading foot, hand-pierced pull-off top and knop finial. It's said to be circa 1760 and I'd welcome comments on how accurate this may be.

The maker's mark is well stamped underneath, the STERLING mark slightly less so, presumably due to the slightly domed bottom) but still easily decipherable. Note the star-shaped pellet between the initials similar to that shown in the book Cork Silver and Gold and Bennett's Collecting Irish Silver. The caster is 12cm high and weighs 106g (3.75oz).







Gordon

[dognose]

Hi Gordon,

It's a great item and a wonderful find, thanks for sharing it with us.

Trev.

[doc]

I have been away from this site for a while, and am sorry to have been. Gordon, your Cork pieces are really beautiful! I too collect Irish silver, but have yet to add anything from Cork to the collection-yet! Please keep the photos coming.

[scorpio]

Thanks Doc. I'm glad you like the Cork silver pieces. I have some some Dublin silver as well but Cork silver is really what I like to find. Hope you manage to find some pieces for your collection soon!

Gordon