Silver-gilt Freedom of the City of Dublin Box
Category
Silver
Date
c. 1798
Materials
silver-gilt
Measurements
32 mm (H)83 mm (W)50 mm (D)3.5 oz t (Wt)
Order this imageCollection
Mount Stewart, County Down
NT 1220114
Summary
Late 18th century elongated silver gilt freedom box, the lid finely engraved with the arms of the City of Dublin and of Viscount Castlereagh, the sides with cornucopiae, the Irish harp, griffin and initial C., the base with a presentation inscription dated 20th April 1798. Dublin 1798. Maker's mark ER probably for Edward Rice, (Dublin, fl. 1790s). The Inscription reads: "Easter Assembly 20th April 1798 / Be it remembered that the Lord Mayor / Aldermen Sheriffs and Commons of the City of / DUBLIN / Have unanimously voted the Freedom of their / SAID CITY / To the Rt Honble Lord Visct Castlereagh / in testimony of the high esteem which they entertain / for the Wisdom the Talents and the Patriotism / which he has Uniformly displayed both in the / Cabinet and the Senate / Thos Fleming Lord Mayor / Ionas Pasley Wm H Archer ) Esqr Sheriffs"
Provenance
On loan to the National Trust from Lady Mairi Bury (1921-2009), 1976, then accepted by HM Government in lieu of Inheritance Tax and allocated to the National Trust, 2013
Marks and inscriptions
(presentation inscription on base)
Exhibition history
Dublin Gold and Silver Boxes, 1662-1830, Dublin Castle, Ireland, 2024 - 2025