A very fine example of a second quarter 18th century Irish silver twin handled cup and cover, with a cup-and-cover style finial to the ogee domed cover, leaf-capped double scroll handles, a moulded girdle, on a circular moulded foot, engraved with an armorial. The piece stands 31.5cm (12 1/2in) high and weighs 2095g (67.35 oz).

The arms are for Sir Ralph GORE (1725-1802) born at Belle Isle Castle, Co. Fermanagh, the second son of Sir RALPH GORE (1675-1733), the 4th baronet of Magherabegg, Co. Donegal, by his second wife Elizabeth ASHE (1680-1741), daughter of St George ASHE (1652-1717) and Jane St GEORGE (born 1656). He succeeded his elder brother Sir St George GORE-ST GEORGE (1722-46) as the 6th baronet, having been an Irish politician. He was created Viscount Belle Isle in 1768 and in 1772 was advanced as the Earl of Ross, Co. Fermanagh. On 23rd February 1754 he married firstly, at St Mary Dublin, Catherine CONOLLY (1734-71) daughter of William CONOLLY (1712-54) and Lady Anne WENTWORTH (1717-97). He had no issue from his first marriage and his son from his second marriage in 1773 pre-deceased him. The engraving corresponds to the period 1754-73, which accommodates the estimated date of 1755. He was then Sir George GORE, 6th baronet of Magherabegg, Co. Donegal.

THE SILVERSMITH : Robert Calderwood was considered the greatest Irish silversmiths of his day, referred to as ‘the Dublin Paul de Lamerie’,  working from 1727 to 1766, his workshop was in Castle Street – behind Dublin Castle, becoming a freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths in 1727. Robert Calderwood was elected warden in 1733-36 and master in 1737. He also served on the Common Council of the city of Dublin from 1742

A Pair of ‘Two Handled Cup and Covers’ (one marked 1736 and the other 1739) of exactly the same design and similar weight; were sold by Sotheby’s in their London sale room on 28 April 2015 – Lot No. 62, one was marked with Robert Calderwood’s stamp, the other did not have a makers’ stamp, they sold for £35,000.

Between 1730 and 1746 the silver assay office in Dublin did not require the Silversmith to mark pieces, other than Flatware (spoons and forks), with a date stamp.

Together with the style of the ‘Harp Crowned’ and ‘Hibernia’ stamp marks and the similar pair of Cup and Covers sold by Sotheby’s, referred to above, I am confident that this piece was made circa 1740/50.