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| Irish Georgian Silver Bright Cut Tablespoons (Pair) - Wicklow Regiment (Set 1 of 2)
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Reference: S11390
Period: George III
Year: 1797
Silversmith: John Shiels
Place: Dublin
Price: $ 580.00
Weight: 143 grams
Dimensions: 25.1 cm
Condition: 1 spoon very good condition, the second is fair, with a few dents to the bowl. Both have strong bowl tips.
Description: A rare and interesting pair of Irish Georgian silver Bright Cut tablespoons, engraved "Wicklow Reg", for the 37th Wicklow Regiment, part of the Irish Militia. The spoons are Old English in shape, with the traditional "Dublin Star" engraved at the top above the oval cartouche with the regimental engraving, and traditional bright cut engraving. One spoon is in very good condition, the second has small dents to the bowl, overall quite pleasing for Regimental silver spoons which often are in poor condition. One spoon has excellent hallmarks, the second spoon has clear makers mark but worn Irish marks, still visible (spoon with good hallmarks has the dents to bowl). John Shiels (or Sheils) had a long career between 1762 and 1790, given these spoons are 1797 it is possible a son took over his punches. 38 Regiments of Irish Militia were established in 1793 (one from each county) after the outbreak of war with France, to free regular soldiers up and to control the Irish rebellion. The 37th Wicklow Regiment first saw action in 1796 defeating the French invasion of Bantry Bay, they were then sent to Strabane and Westmeath to fight the Republican Irish Rebellion of 1798 (Society of United Irishmen), now remembered for its brutality. "The Wicklow Militia caused affront and outrage in Strabane by advertising for virtuous young girls aged 14-18 years for the Officers Mess, whilst headquartered there" - (source wicklowheritage.org). Lieutenant Edward "Walking Gallows" Heppenstall of the Wicklow Militia is perhaps the most notorious Irish Militia officer of the period, he invented a new mode of execution by hanging and strangling his victims as he walked - (source Irishcentral.com). In 1798 "The Grand Jury of Westmeath presented the Wicklow Militia with plate valued at 50 guineas for the regiment, and 200 guineas for the non-commissioned officers and soldiers. They requested that the guineas be made into gold and silver medallions. Some can be seen in the National museum today" - source wicklowheritage.org). It is not hard to imagine these spoons were part of that gift of plate, or that Lieutenant Heppenstall himself used them.
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